Alstom’s Polmadie rail depot received a visit from local MSP, Anas Sarwar (23rd Jan) in order to learn more about Scotland’s rail supply chain.

The Glasgow region MSP and Scottish Labour Leader’s visit came as part of the Railway Industry Association Rail Fellowship Programme which aims to offer greater insight to stakeholders and politicians of the rail industry and the wider rail supplier sector.

The Polmadie Shed was first opened by the Caledonian Railway Company way back in 1875 and is now Alstom’s Glasgow Traincare Centre, and is just one of five similar facilities operated by the company based on the West Coast Main Line.

Today, the depot undertakes maintenance for 17 trains each day with staff members working around the clock, seven days a week, on an array of train fleets including:

• Avanti West Coast‘s Class 390 Pendolino’s
• Caledonian Sleeper rolling stock
• Heavy overhauls for ScotRail’s Class 334 trains

Mr Sarwar also enjoyed many other areas of interest at the depot, such as train fleets being overhauled and day-to-day rolling stock maintenance, he also had a chance to meet apprentices and long-serving team members who work at the Polmadie depot.

Alstom is a leader in the supply of new trains and train services for the UK and Ireland and also provides major signalling and rail infrastructure. The company employs an impressive 6,000 employees in the UK and Ireland with more than 100 based in Scotland.

“It has been a pleasure to visit Alstom’s Polmadie works in my constituency. I appreciated the time taken to show me round and explain in detail what this historic site does, particularly its 24/7 work on the Caledonian Sleeper. I’m especially pleased to help inaugurate RIA’s Fellowship Programme to my fellow MSPs.”

Anas Sarwar, MSP

“As a leader in smart and sustainable mobility, Alstom is committed to helping Scotland become better connected while supporting the country’s ambition to reach net zero by 2045. It was brilliant that our local MSP was able to see, first-hand, the important work we do at Polmadie – round-the-clock, every day – to keep Scottish passengers moving, while also meeting some of the talented and dedicated people who make it all happen.”

Peter Broadley, Director of Services at Alstom UK & Ireland

“Alstom’s commitment to the Scottish rail supply chain is providing real economic and social benefits for both passengers and taxpayers across Scotland. Scottish rail suppliers are investing in infrastructure and rolling stock upgrades, which boost social value by creating good jobs and improving workforce skills. It also turbo-charges public funding and helps deliver a better railway for Scotland.”

Lorna Gibson, Vice Chair of RIA Scotland