KeolisAmey has announced that they will be opening two new head offices in Wales with the creation of around 130 jobs.
This news follows on from the news that KeolisAmey won their bid for Wales and Borders Franchise, taking over from current operator, Arriva Trains Wales.
Keolis UK has announced it will move its headquarters from London to Wales in 2019 and will move its global rail division from Paris to Wales in 2020.
Amey will also be opening a new design hub in Wales where it will offer consultancy services, and further jobs will be created when they open a customer contact centre.
These jobs are in addition to the 600 jobs and 30 apprenticeships announced earlier this week.
Head of Keolis UK, Alistair Gordon, has confirmed that Keolis’ new HQ will also become a centre of excellence.
What did the officials say?
Ahead of a meeting with Alistair Gordon and Nicola Hindle from Keolis and Amey, Economy Secretary Ken Skates said:
“In line with our Economic Contract, public investment with a social purpose is right at the heart of our new approach to rail, and I am delighted the new rail contract will be delivering tangible and significant economic benefits for Wales.
“The decision by internationally recognised companies Keolis and Amey to between them locate two headquarters and two new offices to Wales is a real coup, and a move that we predict will provide a significant economic boost, beginning with the creation of a further 130 high quality jobs. These are in addition to the 600 jobs announced earlier in the week.
“KeolisAmey has also committed to becoming a Living Wage employer by 2021 and they will ensure that the Real Living Wage is cascaded throughout the significant supply chain
“On top of news earlier this week that the majority of the new trains will be assembled in Newport by Spanish company, CAF, who will be bringing their new manufacturing base to Wales, there is no doubt that the new rail contract will deliver not only improved train services but also very real economic benefits for Wales.
Alistair Gordon, CEO of Keolis UK, said:
“Being selected as Transport for Wales’ partner for the next 15 years means that we’ll be a part of the fabric of Wales for almost a generation. Moving our headquarters here underlines our commitment and embeds us within the communities we’ll be serving.
“Wales is a great place for any company to base itself. As part of the procurement process, KeolisAmey was exposed to both business and life in Wales and we were impressed with the commitment, skills and quality of life Wales offers. This, coupled with the extensive and innovative nature of Transport for Wales’ ambitions, means that Wales is an obvious location for us.”
Nicola Hindle, Managing Director of Consulting & Rail at Amey, said:
“As part of our long-term commitment to Wales, and building on our existing presence with over 300 employees delivering services for the Welsh people, we will be investing in a new Amey Consulting design hub in Wales.
“This new office will be a fantastic addition to our strategic network of consultancy hubs across the UK in Birmingham, Manchester, Sheffield, Motherwell, Edinburgh, Belfast and Crawley.
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Seems like a good idea for Wales to introduce more new jobs on the railway sector. Aswell new trains being ordered that are to replace the current DMU rolling stocks. Aswell as future electrification on the GWML to Cardiff and Swansea that will see new EMU and Bi-Mode trains operating on long distance services in Wales and shorter commuter routes in the South Wales area (including Cardiff).