Bombardier’s loss of the Thameslink order to Siemens was viewed as a critical blow to train building in the UK.
Similarly, Hitachi’s IEP success provided more ammunition for those who felt that ministers were missing clear opportunities to revitalise a manufacturing sector that is well past its prime.
But both Hitachi and Siemens have now responded to these criticisms and shown that Britain will benefit from their trains.
Infographics (see below) have been put together for both the Thameslink Desiro and the Hitachi Super Express, showing how manufacturers from all over the UK will contribute parts for the new passenger vehicles.
Big winners include Somerset firm Brecknell Willis will manufacture the pantographs for both trains and BMAC in Greater Manchester which will supply for the exterior lighting for all 230 new trains.
Hitachi’s may not even be complete yet, with further contracts still to be negotiated.
I don’t suppose we could trouble these firms for infographics showing all the planned contributions NOT produced in the UK, could we? I’m inclined to believe that the number of imported components and parts will still vastly outnumber the ‘homegrown’ ones – not that I have any way of actually substantiating that, of course.
At least if we had information on the provenance of all parts, we could actually attempt an informed and accurate comparison.
Just food for thought.
ACasali – They don’t need to produce a list as quite simply very few of the major systems appear on either info graphic (Propulsion Control Unit, Train Control and Management Systems, Doors, Car bodies and so on). On the other hand the Engineers that work at the Bombardier assembly plant in Derby would estimate that 90% of the actual value of the rolling stock ‘assembled’ in Litchurch Lane comes from overseas (albeit mostly from other Bombardier companies in Europe).
Dave