Under-threat Derby Alstom factory gets government opportunity

The Government is allowing the struggling Alstom factory in Derby to bid for new contracts, potentially saving 2,000 jobs.

Derby councillors from various parties joined forces to support the factory workers at Litchurch Lane, who face redundancy due to delays in the HS2 train line project.

The Alstom site was supposed to build trains for HS2, but these plans are now delayed until 2026 due to construction setbacks. With other projects set to wrap up in six months, there’s a looming production gap and job uncertainty.

City councillors all agreed on a proposal urging the Government to act quickly to safeguard the Derby factory.

Council leader Baggy Shanker emphasised that the goal was not to secure special contracts for Alstom but to provide the factory with a chance to compete for new projects.

The Government has now said that there are ongoing procurement processes managed by Northern, Chiltern, and Southeastern railways, and all manufacturers, including Alstom, are welcome to participate in these competitions.