Alstom signs £370m contract that secures future of Derby factory
Alstom has formally signed the £370m contract that has saved it from closure.
The deal will see workers at the Litchurch Lane site provide ten new nine-car Aventra trains – and maintenance – for Transport for London’s Elizabeth line.
Opened in 2022, the Elizabeth line continues to experience passenger demand ahead of predictions and its current 70-strong fleet of Alstom-built Aventra Class 345 trains would be insufficient to meet demand later this decade and through the 2030s.
“We are delighted to now have a confirmed workload for Derby Litchurch Lane and our supply chain across the UK,” said Nick Crossfield, managing director UK and Ireland at Alstom.
He added: “The UK remains one of Alstom’s most important global markets.”
The contract includes new trains which are funded by £220.5m from the Department for Transport, with Transport for London also contracting for the provision of train maintenance on the units until 2046.
