Rail Minister opens £31 million Siemens train maintenance depot for West Coast Main Line

The new depot, which also becomes the new headquarters for Siemens Rolling Stock Maintenance in the UK, will be the principal facility for the maintenance of the 30 strong fleet of 100mph Siemens Class 350 Desiro EMUs (Electric Multiple Units) introduced to the West Coast Main Line in June 2005.

The depot, which has created more than 100 jobs in the town, uses state-of-the-art technology to maintain the Class 350 trains including a train wash facility capable of recycling 75 per cent of the water it consumes, modern train toilet cleaning and discharging facilities, plus a double-headed wheel lathe and bogie-drop installations which will help to save time spent on these essential yet typically time-consuming engineering processes. Existing train maintenance facilities at Crewe will also support the Desiro Class 350 fleet operations north of the Midlands and provide complementary expertise to the principal Northampton maintenance operation.

Speaking at the official opening event, Mr Twigg said: ”This is great news for passengers in Northampton and I welcome the investment to this region's railway. The new technology should allow for trains to be maintained to a high standard and raise the quality of rail journeys for passengers. They have already seen faster journey times and improving reliability on the West Coast Main Line and this depot is an important part of the benefits that the upgrade of the WCML will bring. “

The West Coast Main Line strategy, published in 2003 by the former Strategic Rail Authority (whose responsibilities were transferred to be part of the Department for Transport Rail Group), recognised the need to upgrade shorter distance, inter-regional, commuter and inter-city services and the need for new, versatile and reliable trains capable of speeds of up to 100mph.

Built by Siemens in Germany, the Desiro Class 350 high performance trains are operated by Silverlink and Central Trains and were introduced to the UK after a deal signed by Siemens, train owner Angel Trains and passenger rail service operator National Express Group.

Christian Roth, Managing Director of Siemens Transportation Systems, said: ”The opening of this depot underlines the commitment not only of Siemens, but of all the partners who have worked together to provide a facility that will help to deliver the Department for Transport’s West Coast strategy to provide excellent quality rail services and improved reliability. It will play a major part in ensuring the capability of this prime railway line is delivered over the next 20 years.”

The depot at Northampton is the fourth facility built in the UK by Siemens Transportation Systems. It adds to depots at Acton in West London, Northam in Southampton and Ardwick, Manchester. This new investment underpins Siemens’ commitment to providing quality maintenance facilities for quality train fleets.

David Franks, Chief Executive of the National Express Trains Division, added: "I would like to congratulate everyone involved in the depot project. It is another important milestone in the renaissance of the West Coast Main Line. The new depot demonstrates what can be achieved through the partnership of operators, manufacturers and Government to bring about an improvement in the quality of service that we offer our passengers.

"In the short time it has been in service, the Desiro train has gained a reputation for its quiet, smooth operating characteristics and its bright and spacious carriages are popular with passengers. The new depot concentrates our Desiro work on one site with state-of-the-art maintenance and cleaning facilities. It’s great news for passengers, and it signals a massive vote of confidence in the future of the West Coast Main Line."

Haydn Abbott, managing director of Angel Trains added: “As owner of the Class 350, Angel Trains is delighted to see the opening of this purpose-built facility, which will not only protect the significant investment we have made but will contribute to further improvements in the passenger's journey experience.”