Transport giant opens new UK base in Cardiff
ONE of the world’s leading transport companies, Keolis, will open its new UK headquarters in Cardiff today.
Keolis, in a joint venture with Amey (KeolisAmey) is the current operator of the Wales & Borders rail franchise, a contract awarded by the Welsh Government’s transport body, Transport for Wales, last year.
It will also deliver for Transport for Wales the next phase of the Metro with electrification of the Core Valley Lines into Cardiff and the Coryton Line.
The franchise comes under the branding of Transport for Wales Rail Services and employs more than 2,300 with hundreds of new roles also being creating.
The vast majority of staff who worked for the previous franchise holder Arriva Train Wales, were transferred over to the new operator.
As part of its winning bid for the 15-year franchise, French-owned Keolis committed to relocating its UK HQ from London to Wales.
In the UK Keolis also operates light rail franchises in Nottingham, Greater Manchester as well as for London Docklands.
Its new HQ is located at the Callaghan Square office scheme in the centre of Cardiff.
All UK HQ functions are transferring from London to Cardiff as part of the move, with Keolis’ UK chief executive Alistair Gordon and chair Sir Derek Jones now based in Cardiff as part of a 15 strong team of company directors, managers a n d support staff, many of whom have recently been recruited from Wales.
There will be further recruitment with capacity for doubling on its existing head count in Cardiff, while Keolis is maintaining a small satellite operation in London.
The headquarters, will be opened by the Welsh Government’s Minister for International Relations, Eluned Morgan, Keolis Group CEO Patrick Jeantet and Mr Gordon.
Mr Gordon said: “Wales is a great place for our UK HQ to be based, with its strong commitment to business, skills and quality of life set alongside the extensive ambitions of Transport for Wales and the wider transport and business community.
“While we’ve had a presence in
Wales for some time now, it’s fantastic to see our commitment to Wales cemented in the bricks and mortar of our new HQ.
“We look forward to working proactively on both a national and regional level to help identify and support ways of helping to keep the people and economy of Wales moving as part of our long-term commitment to the nation.”
Keolis has been in the UK since 1996 and employs more than 13,000 people across its contracts and franchises.
During this time Keolis, through its various joint ventures has introduced more new trains to its franchises than any other operator.
Ms Morgan said:“Keolis has many of the credentials in companies we’re looking to attract to Wales, combining international expertise with an ambition to develop its presence and workforce here.
“I look forward to working with them, and others, as we continue to send a very clear message internationally that Wales is open for business and has the expertise and ambition to thrive.”
Economy and Transport Minister Ken Skates said: “Keolis is an important partner in delivering our vision for a rail service that works for Wales and are already working with other companies across Wales to address challenges in the rail industry, including through their Innovation Lab. In line with our Economic Action Plan, it’s also good to see another living wage company with its HQ in Wales.”