Alstom says the £20m facility will support its aim to increase its presence in the British market, particularly in the rolling stock maintenance and refurbishment sector. The centre will be located near to the West Coast Main Line for easy rail access and the site is close to Alstom depots in Chester, Manchester, and Liverpool, making it a suitable location for a logistics hub.
The project includes a new North West Transport Training Academy, which will open in autumn 2017. The academy will act as Alstom's British centre for rail research and provide training in engineering, manufacturing, project management, and other transport-specific skills. It will also support apprentices and graduates working in the rail industry across northwest England.
Groundbreaking is expected within the next few weeks and construction will begin later this year.
