Since the time that Stadler were announced as the winning bidder for the new fleet of trains for the Tyne and Wear Metro instead of Hitachi who had a factory in the north-east they have been keen to show how they are supporting the local economy with various contracts awarded to local firms. The latest of these has recently been announced with Turbo Power Systems appointed to supply Stadler with electric converters for the new trains.
The 42 trains for the Tyne and Wear Metro – due to enter service from 2023 – are being constructed by Stadler in Switzerland but a number of north-eastern firms are supporting them in the £362 million project.
Turbo Power Systems will be making the electric converters, which are highly specialised pieces of electrical equipment, at their facility in Gateshead. The devices act as the interface between the pantograph and the power converters. They have an essential safety function for the propulsion system.
Adrian Wetter, Stadler project manager, said: “Stadler has pledged to support the regional economy and involve as many north east or UK-based companies in the new trains’ project as possible. 90 per cent of all contracts related to the building of the new depot has already gone to UK suppliers, many of which are north east-based. We are very pleased to award this highly significant contract for electric converters to Turbo Power Systems, which is a leading player in the region.”
John Fenwick, Director of Finance and Resources at Nexus, added: ““The Metro fleet project is providing our region with vital economic stimulus in these challenging times. Stadler is committed to using local suppliers where possible and this helps to secure jobs and drive inward investment as they get ready to start building our new trains later this summer. I’m delighted to see that Turbo Power Systems in Gateshead have secured the contract to supply specialist components for the new trains. The electrical equipment is a critical part of the train power system to allow the trains to safely use the energy supplied by the overhead line. It’s a significant order and we are looking forward to working with them on the project. The new Metro trains will be state of the art and will deliver a step-change in quality, comfort and reliability for our customers. Each train will be 15 times more reliable and will cut energy consumption by 30% as well as having modern features including charging points, air conditioning and a vastly improved levels of accessibility. We are looking forward to the production line starting to roll this August and the first new units entering service from 2023. We will keep our customers update throughout the manufacturing process.”
Carlos Neves, Chief Executive Officer of Turbo Power Systems, commented: “We are absolutely delighted to have partnered with Stadler to deliver one of our innovative power conversion systems for their trains. TPS has a proven track record in supplying energy conversion solutions, both locally and internationally, and we are proud to share our expertise with Stadler in such a relevant project for the Northeast region. Our team developed a great relationship with Nexus, who supported and engaged us with Stadler during this entire process to guarantee the best of the Northeast supply chain is involved in this project. We are unconditionally committed with both, Stadler and Nexus, to deliver reliable and efficient products and services that will benefit the passengers and support the growth of our region.”