Rail component business to double capacity with move to larger premises

This article was authored by Miran Rahman for www.thebusinessdesk.com and published under the title 'Rail component business to double capacity with move to larger premises', on Rail component business to double capacity with move to larger premises | TheBusinessDesk.com. It is reproduced above in accordance with section 30(2) of the Copyright, Design and Patents Act 1988

 

Lucchini Unipart Rail (LUR) is a joint venture between Lucchini RS Group and Unipart, supplying wheelsets, gearboxes, and bogies for the UK rail industry.

In Doncaster, the Bogie Service Facility at Hexthorpe Road employs 90 people and will relocate to a 102,000 sq ft site in Warmsworth, which is double the size of its current site four miles away.

This move will increase capacity and allow LUR to meet growing demand for the overhaul and refurbishment of bogies used in passenger rolling stock, freight wagons, locomotives, and light rail vehicles.

In Manchester, LUR is relocating its Wheelset Repair Facility from Chadderton to a larger 63,000 sq ft site at Trafford Park, closer to its existing 118,000 sq ft head office and manufacturing facility for wheel and axle machining, and wheelset overhaul.

With both sites having a manufacturing legacy of over 100 years in the rail industry, both Lucchini RS Group and Unipart remain active shareholders, playing a role in LUR’s future growth.

The two new facilities in Doncaster and Manchester are currently being refurbished and fitted-out and are aiming to be fully operational by autumn 2025.

This expansion is part of LUR’s long-term growth and service strategy, ensuring the business remains agile and responsive to evolving market needs.

Today, the company employs 380 people across its Doncaster and Manchester sites, and this latest investment will further strengthen its presence in the South Yorkshire and North West regions.

LUR says its decision to expand its footprint is driven by increased customer demand and the need for additional space to optimise output.

As part of this growth, the company will also invest in new machinery and technology to enhance its capabilities and increase monthly capacity up to 800 wheelsets per month in Manchester and 80 bogies per month in Doncaster.

Phil Chilton, managing director, said: “Our decision to expand in Doncaster and Manchester is a response to growing customer demand and our long-term growth and service strategy.

“This investment will allow us to increase capacity, improve efficiency, and ensure we continue to meet the needs of our customers and the UK rail industry.

“As we celebrate the 10th anniversary of the joint venture between Lucchini RS Group and Unipart this is an exciting step forward in our journey.”