UK: Wabtec has announced plans to expand its factory at in Barton-under-Needwood in Staffordshire, saying aims to position itself as ‘a leader in the train components sector’.
It said the 7 300 m² expansion by Q4 2026 would create of 150 skilled jobs in the area, enhance production capabilities, improve efficiency and support a more sustainable, modern and efficient UK rail sector by co-locating multiple product lines. Once complete, the modernised site will accommodate 500 staff.
In February this year Wabtec announced its would close its site in Doncaster and exit the UK rolling stock maintenance market, with up to 300 jobs at risk. It has now confirmed that the remaining rolling stock component work at Doncaster is to move to the expanded Barton site. Wabtec said it continues to support impacted employees at Doncaster, including through redeployment opportunities.
‘This investment in Barton marks an exciting new chapter for Wabtec and reaffirms our commitment to UK manufacturing’, said Tim Bentley, Group Managing Director & Regional Vice-President, UK, on September 22. ‘We are proud to be creating high-quality, skilled jobs and to be part of Barton’s growing industrial landscape. While this transition follows the difficult decision to close our Doncaster facility, it is essential in ensuring our long-term competitiveness and ability to serve the UK rail sector.’
