Alstom bemoans lack of progress over Government talks as future of Derby plant hangs in the balance

Alstom, which has a major train making plant in Derby, has warned that talks with Government ministers to avert the closure of Derby’s historic train manufacturing plant are stalling, which could result in thousands of job losses across the industry.

Alstom is under threat of closing its Litchurch Lane train-making factory after it warned that it has no work pipeline past the end of January this year. 

Reports in The Times suggest that urgent discussions must take place, as the French company may need to shift production to Poland or India unless the government provides assurance regarding new train orders.

Production at the plant has come to a standstill, made worse by the government’s postponement of new train commissions for the HS2 high-speed line.

Over 1,300 workers in Derby have already been notified of the termination of their contracts.

Now, Alstom is on the verge of launching a new commuter train manufacturing platform, Adessia, capable of producing battery and hydrogen-powered rolling stock.

These trains would replace the Aventra trains manufactured by Derby for various railway networks.

However, despite ten months of discussions with Transport Secretary Mark Harper, Alstom is concerned about the lack of progress.

The Department for Transport is reportedly reluctant to provide any assurances to Alstom and Derby regarding future projects.