Expansion of Vivarail's Eco-Friendly Train Manufacturing Facility in County Durham

ongoing

Vivarail, the manufacturer of eco-friendly passenger trains, has accelerated expansion of its site in County Durham and turned it into its national research and development centre, creating new jobs faster than expected. The workforce was originally expected to grow to 30 people over three years, but the availability of experienced staff has enabled it to reach that milestone in just over a year since the new site became operational. Vivarail was formed in 2013 to create state-of-the-art commuter trains. Its new Class 230 train, which is fitted with cutting-edge technology and offers lower fuel consumption and low emissions, is built from high-quality, lightweight aluminium bodyshells with Bombardier Flex 1000 bogies from existing early-retired stock. By re-using these parts, Vivarail has saved hundreds of tonnes of metal from being scrapped as well as the resources and energy needed to build the trains from scratch.