Manchester, UK, 2014-Sep-25
From seeing a train on jacks ready for maintenance to sitting in a driver’s cab, there will be plenty to learn, see, touch and interact with, all under the expert guidance of staff including apprentices and technicians.
The open day will showcase the technology that helps Siemens keep the First TransPennine Express diesel Desiro Class 185 fleet and recently introduced electric Class 350/4 trains safe and reliable for the travelling public, plus provide an insight into what’s in store for train travel of the future. It’s the first time that visitors will be able to explore the revamped facility after a significant electrification and extension programme transformed the site from a diesel-only maintenance facility to a modern site.
Entrance to the ‘Whistle Stop Tour’ open day is free via pre-booked tours at siemens.co.uk/whistlestoptour.
Siemens employees will be hosting stalls, a cake sale, raffle and a narrow gauge steam train ride on the day to raise money for the National Autistic Society as well as offering special tours geared towards those living with autism spectrum disorders and their families. The depot in Ardwick has had a long-standing relationship with the National Autistic Society, having hosted previous dedicated open days.
Kevin Clark, Fleet Delivery Manager for Siemens, said: “We’re delighted to be opening our doors of our upgraded facility for the first time in three years, complete with diesel, electric and steam units for visitors to see. In our organisation, science and technology are at the forefront of our operations so linking up with Manchester Science Festival gives us a great opportunity to inspire the next generation of rail maintenance engineers.”
Tour places must be pre-booked at www.siemens.co.uk/whistlestoptour. For more details you can find us on Facebook at facebook.com/WhistleStopTour. Full listings and booking details for Manchester Science Festival are available now via http://www.manchestersciencefestival.com.
Ends
Note to journalists
Manchester Science Festival is proudly produced by the Museum of Science & Industry and supported by Siemens
If you would like to attend the event, please contact Lisa Gwinnell on 07808 823084 or lisa.gwinnell@siemens.com.
Contacts for journalists:
Siemens plc, Rail Systems
Emma Whitaker
Senior PR & Government Affairs Manager
Mobile: +44 79212 46942
Email:emma.whitaker@siemens.com
Steven Coventry
PR & Government Affairs Manager
Mobile: 07808 824407
Email:steven.coventry@siemens.com
Manchester Science Festival
Rachel Furst, Senior Press Officer
Telephone: 0161 606 0176
Email: r.furst@mosi.org.uk
National Autistic Society
Alex Hann
Email: Alex.Hann@nas.org.uk
About Siemens
Siemens aims to inspire millions of children through the promotion of science and engineering. This hands-on new initiative will allow teachers, students and parents to access information explicitly designed to encourage young people to engage with engineering. The programme is an extension to Siemens current investment in the promotion of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) related subjects. It also incorporates sponsorship and presence at four major science festivals throughout the UK.
Siemens was established in the United Kingdom 170 years ago and now employs 13,760 people in the UK. Last year’s revenues were £3.36 billion*. As the world’s largest engineering company, Siemens provides innovative solutions to help tackle the world’s major challenges across the key sectors of energy, industry, infrastructure & cities and healthcare. Siemens has offices and factories throughout the UK, with its headquarters in Frimley, Surrey. The company’s global headquarters is in Munich, Germany. For more information, visit www.siemens.co.uk
* Data includes intercompany revenue. Data may not be comparable with revenue reported in annual or interim reports
Siemens plc, Rail Systems Division
Siemens Rail Systems Division provides expertise and technology in the full range of rail vehicles – from heavy rail to metros to trams and light-rail vehicles. In the UK, the Division employs around 750 people and maintains over 360 Siemens passenger trains for First TransPennine Express, South West Trains, Heathrow Express, Greater Anglia Franchise (Abellio), Northern Rail, London Midland and ScotRail. In addition to manufacturing the new trains for Thameslink, the company will also be supplying Eurostar with its new high speed fleet of trains.
Manchester Science Festival
Manchester Science Festival is supported by:
SIEMENS – headline Sponsor
University of Salford – lead Education Partner
Electricity North West Ltd
Waters Corporation
University of Salford
Manchester City Council
Hobs Reprographics
Manchester Science Parks
About the Museum of Science & Industry (MOSI)
The Museum of Science & Industry tells the story of where science met industry and the modern world began whilst telegraphing Manchester as a 21st century city of science. The Museum (MOSI) sits on one of the nation’s most historic industrial heritage sites. Covering 7.5 acres and including five listed buildings, this small corner of Manchester is one of the key places in the UK, and therefore in the world, where the Industrial Revolution began. On MOSI’s site are some of the city’s finest 19th century warehouses - including the first railway warehouse - and it is home to the world’s oldest surviving passenger railway station. The museum’s mission is: To explore where science met industry and the modern world began, and to understand the impact that Manchester science, technology, and innovation continues to have on all our lives.
The National Autistic Society
Who we are
The National Autistic Society (NAS) was formed in 1962 by a group of parents passionate about creating a brighter future for their children with autism. 52 years on we are the leading charity for the 1 in 100 people in the UK with autism and their families. We have almost 30,000 active members, over 100 local volunteer groups and have provided support to millions of people affected by autism.
Autism and what we do
Autism is a lifelong developmental condition that affects everyone differently, some live relatively independent lives while others require round the clock care. Despite the huge amount of people it affects autism is widely misunderstood and misreported.
Last year, we supported over 100,000 people living with autism. The families we support access our specialist services every day throughout the UK. Our transformational work includes seven specialist schools, 111 volunteer-led branches nationwide as well as a national helpline.
