Stadler has taken over the maintenance of the Tyne and Wear Metro train fleet and Gosforth depot in Newcastle, Nexus has announced.

The handover took place at 12 am on Sunday 4th October, with 120 Nexus staff transferring to Stadler.

Stadler now has responsibility for servicing and maintaining both the current and future sets of trains on behalf of Nexus.

It was announced in January 2020 that Stadler had been awarded the contract to build 42 new trains for Metro.

Chief Operating Officer at Nexus, Martin Kearney, said: “Stadler are one of the best train builders in the world and we are looking forward to them delivering a new and modern fleet of trains for the Tyne and Wear Metro.

“This is biggest project in the 40 year history of the Metro and we’re all very excited to see the new trains in service by 2023, and work starting on our new depot at Gosforth in the coming months. A key part of the £300m deal that we signed with Stadler involved our fleet maintenance team transferring over to them via a TUPE agreement.

“We’re extremely proud of the job that our depot workforce carries out right around the clock to keep the Metro trains running. They will now continue this excellent work for Stadler, looking after the current trains, helping us to introduce the new ones, and transitioning us to the new £70m depot.

“It’s a new beginning but we will continue to work hand in glove with our depot teams to ensure that our ongoing success and high standards are maintained.”

Jürg Gygax, Chief Executive of Stadler’s Service Division, said: “Stadler has undergone considerable growth over the last four years in the UK, winning five tenders to build and supply new trains.

“Three of these include long-term service and maintenance contracts, which illustrate our commitment to the UK market. With partnerships with Greater Anglia and the Liverpool City Region now well established, we look forward to consolidating the relationship with our client, Nexus, and to engaging constructively with a wide range of local suppliers and stakeholders, including colleges and universities.”

Rob Baxter, UK managing director for Stadler Rail Service UK, said: “The transfer of 120 staff and service and maintenance of the Tyne and Wear Metro legacy fleet is a highly significant event in Stadler’s UK expansion, and I am delighted to welcome the new employees to our business.

“I am well aware of the critical role each and every one of them will play in our future success, and offer them a warm welcome to our organisation.”

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