Bombardier Transportation has secured an additional order for 130 of its Electrostar rail carriages from UK rail operator Southern, in a contract valued at £189 million (€227 million/$296 million).
“We are delighted to be awarded this contract by Southern. This is a significant project which emphasises the performance of Bombardier’s products in the UK,” said Paul Roberts, chief country representative and president of Bombardier Transportation, Services UK and Passenger Fleet Management Service Line.
“These vehicles have a proven track record for their excellent reliability and environmental performance which will now benefit many additional passengers in London and the South East. The new trains will be manufactured in the UK with initial production commencing in the latter half of 2012.”
Canadian-owned Bombardier Inc. is a global manufacturer of transportation systems, from commercial aircraft and business jets to rail transportation equipment. Bombardier Transportation, headquartered in Berlin, Germany, is the last remaining manufacturer of rolling stock in the UK.
Earlier this year Bombardier announced 1,400 job losses after losing out to German rival Siemens as preferred bidder for a £1.4 million contract for the Thameslink project.
The Southern contract has been supported by an £80 million government subsidy. "This deal for more than 100 new carriages is great news for rail passengers and brilliant news for Bombardier and Derby,” said UK Transport Secretary Justine Greening.
"It lands Bombardier with a crucial train order and I look forward to Bombardier workers in Derby being among the winners of this important deal. This deal, helped along by my department, shows my determination to invest in Britain's railways."
The new carriages are expected go into service by the end of 2013.
