Spanish Train Manufacturer Talgo Establishes Talgo UK

It says that it will not rely on international supply chains for its UK operations. Instead, Talgo UK will build British trains in Britain and revitalise the necessary areas of the UK supply chain. Talgo has called this its ‘all Britain’ strategy. With Brexit looming, avoiding continental supply chains might also have other pertinent advantages.

Talgo currently has industrial locations in countries such as Spain, Germany, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Russia, the United States and in the Middle East region.

For its new UK operations, Talgo UK wants to build up the UK’s capacity for research and development. It is also planning to establish an innovation hub in Chesterfield. This hub will be the focal point for its R&D, connecting engineering networks and developing opportunities across Britain.


New Managing Director for UK Operations

Talgo has appointed Jon Veitch as the Managing Director of Talgo UK. He joined Talgo in 2017 as the company’s UK & Ireland Country Representative.

One of Talgo’s current flagship bids in the United Kingdom is for the HS2 rolling stock. The company says it focuses on “designing, manufacturing and servicing technologically differentiated, fast, lightweight trains”. One of Jon Veitch’s tasks was to determine where in the UK the company could manufacture such rolling stock.

He said:

“It has been a privilege to be part of a team that has worked over the last three years to establish Talgo UK. I want to thank our many partners and supporters across the UK, who share our vision and who have helped us to reach this point.

“Talgo UK has promised to be different, by adopting an 'all Britain' strategy and 'true manufacturing'.”

By ‘true manufacturing’ Talgo means sourcing all parts from within the UK instead of performing the assembly in the UK after sourcing parts from other countries.
Jon Veitch:

“Talgo UK's aim to attract and develop new engineering talent has a particular resonance for me, as I started my career as an engineering apprentice.

“With the right training and 'can-do' attitude, there's no limit to ingenuity. Talgo UK intends to re-establish the UK as a significant manufacturer and exporter of world-class rolling stock.

“Talgo UK's approach will keep more money in the UK economy, and create more skilled long-term jobs.

“I look forward to leading the team that will deliver the 'all Britain' strategy, develop the supply chain, provide opportunities for all, and grow the UK's industrial base.”

Jon Veitch has previously worked at Hitachi, Downer Australia, Directly Operated Railways, Arriva, Scotrail, InterCity, Virgin, Alstom, South Eastern and East Midlands Trains. His career in rail began when he became a craft apprentice for British Rail.

Talgo UK says it will also produce for overseas markets from its UK operations. Those markets will not for now have ‘true manufacturing’ from Talgo themselves.

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