1,000 jobs created as Longannet is chosen for new train factory

Spanish firm, Talgo chose the site from a list of around 30 across the UK.

Published 14th Nov 2018
Last updated 14th Nov 2018

The site of Longannet power station has been selected as the site for a giant new train factory, bringing hundreds of jobs to the area.

Bosses at Spanish firm, Talgo say they picked the site outside Kincardine due to its links with rail, sea and road.

It means some of the world's fastest trains will soon be rolling off a production line on the banks of the Forth.

The original Longannet power station is due to be demolished by 2021, allowing for Talgo to begin work on the 70,000-square-metre site.

The high speed train manufacturer chose Longannet over a site in Chesterfield, which has been chosen as the site of the company's Innovation Centre.

Talgo’s UK Director, Jon Veitch, said: "This is not only an exciting day for Talgo, it is an exciting day for the UK too.

"When Talgo started this process, we were looking for just one site. However, we soon realised that all parts of the UK had something to offer.

"We have learned about the many rail-related initiatives across the UK, intended to boost capability for research, development, and testing.

"There is an engineering renaissance under way, and I want Talgo to be a leading partner.

"Talgo wants to see a steady supply of engineers and other skilled people enter the workforce, and be the innovators of the future"

The company has also been shortlisted as one of the bidders hoping to build trains for the new HS2 railway in England.