Alstom ‘runs out of time’ as it confirms plans to mothball Derby site

Alstom is set to mothball its Litchurch Lane train-making factory in Derby after saying it has “run out of time”.

The move puts the future of 3,000 workers at the plant in doubt. The plant also supports around 15,000 jobs in the wider supply chain.

Alstom inherited the huge site when it bought Bombardier in 2021 but doesn’t have enough work in its pipeline for it to continue functioning following the Government’s decision to axe the HS2 line from Birmingham to Manchester.

A statement from Alstom said: “We have worked constructively with the Government on securing a sustainable future for Derby Litchurch Lane, but after 10 months of discussions we have run out of time, and the production lines have stopped.

“We will now consult with our staff, with trades unions and with our UK supply chain to provide as much certainty as we can.”

East Midlands Chamber chief executive Scott Knowles said: “The uncertainty at Alstom has dragged on for too long and the government need to act urgently to safeguard production at Litchurch Lane.

“We know that as a country we have new rolling stock needs that can be met by the highly skilled workforce we have in Derby and its wider regional supply chain – any inability to iron out the gaps in orders would represent a significant failure of national planning and have detrimental knock-on effects in Derby, Derbyshire and across the country.

“This can’t be allowed to happen – it is imperative government intervention is stepped up so we can get a workable resolution that protects jobs in the sector now and for the long-term future.”

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