A GLASGOW-BASED train manufacturer has secured a new contract with Transport for London (TfL) at its recently opened engineering facility, which will create 40 jobs.
Gibson’s Engineering has agreed to the new contract, which will see them stripping back and overhauling 23 long vehicle wagons at its new engineering facility at the St Rollox rail depot in Springburn.
St Rollox, often referred to locally as The Caley, reopened as a manufacturing, maintenance and repair rail depot last year with more than £10 million already invested into the site.
Fraser Gibson, managing director of Gibson’s Engineering, welcomed the two-year deal, which will help create 40 new jobs in the local area.
He said: “This is fantastic news for Gibson’s, as well as for the wider Scottish rail industry.
“Since reopening St Rollox, Dougie [Gibson] and I have worked to restore its position as a centre for engineering excellence.
“This contract shows that we are well on our way to seeing The Caley thrive again, with a rapidly expanding workforce and significant new projects.”
Following the closure of the depot in 2019 by an investment fund, businessman David Moulsdale purchased the facility in 2021.
Moulsdale said he had a vision for the revitalisation of the landmark as a train engineering depot.
Since then, more than £10m has already been invested by Moulsdale, including the purchase price of the facility, refurbishment, and ongoing maintenance of the buildings.
Moulsdale said: “I was always confident in our ambition to see significant employment of engineers, coachbuilders, project managers and apprentices at St Rollox, and this new agreement with TfL shows that we are breathing new life into ‘The Caley’, Glasgow and the Scottish economy.”
Tom Cunnington, head of Logistics and Manufacturing at TfL, also welcomed the deal as he said: “We’re pleased that this new contract with Gibsons Engineering will utilise the St Rollox rail depot and help create new jobs for those living near Glasgow.
“Our extensive supply chain supports growth and opportunities right across the UK, with around two-thirds of our suppliers based outside London, and nearly a third of our overall spend and resulting economic benefit therefore felt outside of London.
“By renewing vital transport infrastructure through sustained investment, we can drive economic growth, within London as well as across the UK.”
Meanwhile, Scottish Labour MSP Paul Sweeney added: “A century ago, Springburn was the world’s largest centre of locomotive production, with exports from its various railway works going to all parts of the world.
“I have campaigned relentlessly and have supported the effort of the new owners to restore railway engineering work to The Caley, so it is exciting to see Gibson's Engineering revive this legendary locomotive works with this latest contract milestone.
“I know the difference it is going to make to Springburn by providing skilled jobs for our young people and reviving local pride in skilled manufacturing work.”
