Bombardier opens Crossrail Aventra test centre

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Bombardier has launched its new ‘Iron Bird’ integration test facility for the 65 Aventra trains it is manufacturing for London’s Crossrail network.

Mayor of London Boris Johnson opened the new centre, known internally as ‘Train Zero’, on December 11.

The Iron Bird is one component of a large investment programme currently underway at Bombardier’s Litchurch Lane site. The manufacturer is close to breaking ground on a separate £12.5 million Aventra testing facility which is needed to house the longer 205-metre trains.

Around £20 million has already been spent on the development of the train itself and a further £142 million is being ploughed into an eight-rail track depot at Old Oak Common in West London.

As well as Crossrail, Bombardier is manufacturing 191 new S Stock Tube trains for the Circle, District, Hammersmith & City and Metropolitan lines, 57 new London Overground cars and new Class 387/1 and 387/2 Electrostar units for Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR).

Boris Johnson, said: “These huge metal machines, which are being lovingly put together by the engineers and train builders of Derby, will soon be whizzing across the heart of London, helping to keep the capital moving. In turn, London is supporting hundreds of jobs and apprenticeships in Derby, evidence that investing in the capital’s infrastructure supports jobs right across the country.

“This magnificent factory, with its Victorian foundations and state-of-the-art facilities, is proof that the UK’s train-building industry is alive and well.”

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