Vivarail heads for administration

SOUTHAM (Warwickshire)based rolling stock manufacturer Vivarail announced its intention to appoint administrators on November 24. Established in 2013 by industry veteran Adrian Shooter CBE, Vivarail has re-engineered former London Underground Tube stock for service elsewhere (Classes 230, 484), and developed its patented Fast Charge system, which is claimed to recharge a battery-powered train in just 10 minutes. Since inception, the company has benefited from the financial support of a sole investment partner. However, having agreed to operate without reliance on further funding in early 2022, Vivarail’s board of directors approved a sale process and have been working hard to attract new investors. Vivarail’s managing director Steve McBride said: “Combined with slow market conditions and delays in reaching certain key commercial arrangements, we have had no choice but to file a Notice of Intention to appoint Administrators with the courts.” If a rescue package is unsuccessful, administration will be inevitable.