David Ralph, Chief Executive of D2N2 LEP
This morning Crosssrail announced that its £1billion rolling stock and depot contract would be awarded to Bombardier in Derby.
This is great news for the company, for the cities and for the wider supply chain across the area.
Recognition and congratulations should also go to the local business and civic leaders who proactively responded to the real threat to Bombardier and rail manufacturers in the UK following the award of the Thameslink contract to Siemens some two years ago.
The establishment of the Rail Training Centre, developing the supply chain through the Rail Forum and restructuring and reorganisation within the company itself have all been important components of this response.
But so to has the campaign to the UK Government of the importance of design and rail manufacturing in Derby, in a growing market, particularly with further major rail investment planned, including HS2.
Retraining and developing a highly-skilled local workforce throughout the supply chain will mean that the rail industry, with its knowledge of this part of the world, is set to grow and win further contracts in the future and therefore play an important role in the economic growth of the D2N2 area.
David Ralph
Chief Executive
D2N2 LEP
