A raft of regional companies have been enlisted as part of the £362m deal to herald in a new fleet of Metro trains.
Swiss firm Stadler won the multi-million-pound deal to create the new fleet, which will be built at its new factory in St Margrethen, Switzerland.
At the time of the announcement in January 2020, Stadler pledged to support the regional economy and involve as many North East firms as possible in its supply chain, committing to using local suppliers for materials and services for the depot re-build, the manufacturing of the new trains and the 35-year service and maintenance contract – and several regional companies have been taken on for the project.
Thompsons of Prudhoe has also been appointed to carry out demolition work at the 100-year-old depot at Gosforth, in Newcastle, which will become home to a new £70m depot for the Metro train fleet over the coming years.
Other companies enlisted as part of the programme include Consultive Solutions, Ryder Architecture, CMS Architects and Advance365, following a selection process.
All the appointments were made by VolkerFitzpatrick, the company commissioned by Stadler to build the new depot.
Metro development director Neil Blagburn said: “The programme to deliver our new train fleet and Metro depot is delivering a much-needed boost to local businesses in North East England in difficult times. It’s a hugely exciting moment as we see more local firms joining the supply chain on this huge programme that is going to transform the Tyne and Wear Metro.
“When Stadler won the contract to design, build and maintain our new fleet they gave a commitment to put in place new supply chains here in the region. We are now seeing this become a reality. My congratulations to all of the local firms who have secured work as part of the fleet replacement programme.
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“We look forward to working with them.”
Rob Baxter, managing director for Stadler Rail Service 海角视频, said: “We will do everything we can to ensure that regional businesses and institutions capitalise on this exciting, long-term project, which, over the next couple of years, will see us supply state-of-the-art trains for the region. The appointment of Thompsons of Prudhoe and other regional firms is testament to our commitment to localism.”
Nick Shilling, managing director of Thompsons of Prudhoe, said: “We are delighted to be involved in the delivery of this North East project. We look forward to providing removal and demolition services in 2021 and 2022. The new depot and state-of-the-art trains will be a real benefit to the region, and it is a pleasure to be part of it.”
Marcus Dench, senior project manager, said: “VolkerFitzpatrick is looking forward to constructing the new depot for Stadler, and working with its new supply chain to develop long-term relationships, while also helping the North East economy.”