William Cook Rail creates 20 new jobs with multi-million pound export order

An engineering company has created 20 new jobs in Leeds after moving into full production of a multi-million pound export order to supply one of the world leaders in light rail systems.

William Cook Rail is manufacturing ultra-high specification cast steel components for Alstom’s range of Citadis Spirit light rail vehicles for service in Ottawa, Canada.

The family-owned business created the 20 engineering jobs to help fulfil the orders, taking headcount to 180 people at the newly modernised factory.

Sir Andrew Cook, chairman of William Cook, said: “We are proud to be flying the flag for world-class UK manufacturing and securing highly skilled jobs in the North of England.

“This represents a major order for our new £15m rail plant in Leeds and we are gearing up for an increase in activity as the year progresses.”

The Citadis Spirit vehicles are designed for high capacity commuter lines and can operate in the most extreme weather conditions.

Alstom has won contracts to supply 72 trains for Ottawa and a further 61 for Toronto.

The French company has sold more than 2,500 Citadis trains to more than 50 cities in 20 countries worldwide.

William Cook Rail will be exhibiting at InnoTrans, which takes place in Berlin, Germany from September 18-21.

Close