1 June 2023
1 June UK - London Assembly Members Nick Rogers and Keith Prince recently visited the Alstom Depot in Ilford to gain a valuable insight into the maintenance operations and understand the importance of the site for the rail network in London and beyond.
The visit was part of the Railway Industry Association (RIA) Rail Fellowship Programme, which fosters close ties between politicians and the rail supply sector.
Alstom is the UK & Ireland’s foremost supplier of new trains and train services, and a leading signalling and infrastructure provider. Alstom have built, or are building, just under 40% of the UK mainline train fleet – as well as the entire fleets in service with London Underground. Employing over 6,000 people, Alstom build trains in Derby for domestic and export markets and operate from another 37 locations including major train services sites at Crewe, Ilford and Widnes. 63% of the UK’s installed fleets are supported by Alstom in some capacity.
During their visit, Nick and Keith had the opportunity to observe various Alstom maintenance activities, including the new Crossrail fleet, ensuring the reliable operation of this crucial new rail service. The Assembly Members met with the workforce on site, including apprentices, recognising the importance of nurturing skills development within the industry.
The visit also included an exploration of the maintenance operations of the Greater Anglia fleet in Seven Kings. Class 720 rolling stock has recently been developed by Alstom for the East Anglia route and is now in service across the network.
Toby Williams, Public Affairs & PR Manager at the Railway Industry Association (RIA), said: "We are delighted to have London Assembly Members Nick Rogers and Keith Prince participate in the RIA Rail Fellowship Programme and visit the Alstom Depot in Ilford. The programme aims to enhance understanding and forge stronger links between parliamentarians and the rail supply sector.
We applaud Alstom for hosting this visit, providing a valuable opportunity for the Assembly Members to witness maintenance operations and appreciate the critical role played by the industry in supporting connectivity and economic growth."
Nick Rogers, London Assembly Member for Hounslow, Kingston upon Thames, and Richmond upon Thames: "I am delighted to have had the opportunity to visit the Alstom Depot in Ilford and gain an insight into the maintenance operations. As someone with a background in rail incident control within the railways, I understand the critical role maintenance plays in ensuring a reliable and safe rail network.
Witnessing the procedures employed for the Crossrail fleet and engaging with the workforce on site has further deepened my appreciation for the rail sector. This visit has reinforced the importance of ongoing investment and collaboration within the rail industry."
Keith Prince, London Assembly Member for Havering and Redbridge: "As the Assembly member for Havering and Redbridge and a member of the London Transport Committee, I know the significance of the Alstom Depot to my constituency.
The visit demonstrated the maintenance operations for the Elizabeth Line fleet, the Overground services and Greater Anglia rolling stock, all of which directly impact the transportation needs of my constituents. I’m proud to have a vital employer in Alstom in my constituency.”
Steve Hadfield, Director of Parts, Overhaul and Modernisation at Alstom, said: "We were honoured to host London Assembly Members Nick Rogers and Keith Prince at our depot in Ilford. This visit provided an opportunity to showcase Alstom’s fleet overhaul and modernisation pedigree, part of our train services business that is currently supporting 63% of the UK’s installed train fleets in some capacity.
We appreciate the Assembly Members' keen interest in witnessing the operations involved in our work. Our dedicated teams of engineers and technicians, play a crucial role in ensuring reliable and efficient rail services in London and across the UK. We remain committed to supporting job creation and fostering economic growth in Ilford, across our further 12 London sites and up and down the country.”
Notes to editors
The Railway Industry Association (RIA) is the voice of the UK rail supply community. We help to grow a sustainable, high-performing, railway supply industry, and to export UK rail expertise and products. RIA has 350 companies in membership in a sector that contributes £43 billion in economic growth and £14 billion in tax revenue each year, as well as employing 710,000 people. It is also a vital industry for the UK’s economic recovery, supporting green investment and jobs in towns and communities across the UK; for every £1 spent in rail, £2.50 is generated in the wider economy. RIA’s membership is active across the whole of railway supply, covering a diverse range of products and services and including both multi-national companies and SMEs (60% by number). www.riagb.org.uk