UK train production stops but depots remain open for servicing
Production has been suspended at Bombardier’s Derby Litchurch Lane and CAF’s Newport factories due to COVID-19, while Hitachi has scaled back operations at its Newton Aycliffe site.
Bombardier has also suspended heavy maintenance as its Ilford depot, as well as component refurbishment and overhaul at its Crewe facility.
In a statement, the company said: “In the current unprecedented circumstances, we want to protect our people from COVID-19, support the UK Government’s efforts to delay and mitigate the virus, and ensure sustainable business continuity.
“These pauses will remain in place pending further clarity from Government on social distancing rules, and will be kept under constant review.
“The UK rail and London Underground networks remain open for the use of essential workers, so our staff based at our service sites will continue to play our part in keeping Britain moving by providing maintenance on trains in service, technical support and materials. Our staff will be protected by enhanced safe working practices, while across the business our people are continuing to work from home.”
CAF’s Newport facility closed on March 24 as the company cannot maintain the safe distances set out by Government.
Deliveries of Class 196 and ‘197’ bodyshells from Spain had stopped around two weeks prior to that, as Spain is around a fortnight ahead of the UK in its response to the COVID-19 situation.
It’s understood that while the factory could have kept operating, CAF made the decision to suspend work to protect staff.
CAF’s Manchester depot has also closed, although some staff have been identified as key workers, meaning some maintenance work can continue. The number of CAF Nova trains in traffic has reduced.
Where possible, Hitachi says its staff are working from home, while it has increased the frequency of cleaning regimes for its trains and facilities. The company is also working with employees to support their mental health and wellbeing.
In a statement, the company said: “Our colleagues in Product Introduction, Test and Validation and at our train production site are on controlled ‘standby’ with a number of safety-critical, warehouse, production and security colleagues working in person at the factory, allowing us to restart production at short notice.”
Maintenance of Hitachi fleets continues, while there are constant reviews of PPE requirements, health screening and global working policies. Planning is under way for a ‘smooth’ reactivation of all activities as soon as possible.