A new £10.5m wheel lathe facility opening in Holyhead today will
improve reliability for the rail network across Wales.
The automatic lathe – an important maintenance tool that can
repair worn or damaged wheels – is part of the Welsh Government's
Network North Wales initiative.
Trains in North Wales will no longer need to travel to the
existing lathe in Canton, Cardiff – meaning Transport for Wales'
entire fleet of trains will be maintained and serviced quicker.
The project has been completed on time ahead of the busy autumn
season, when falling leaves make well-maintained wheels even more
important.
Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales said:
“It's great to see our new state-of-the-art wheel lathe facility
in Holyhead open and ready for business. This
multi-million-pound investment is the latest milestone in Network
North Wales' vision for a better public transport system.
“Our new facility will operate 7 days a week, significantly
reducing the turnaround times for trains to be back up and
running and making sure people can get where they're going with
fewer disruptions.
“I'm really pleased that this investment will bring eight new
jobs to Holyhead and help unlock economic development across
North Wales.”
Ryan , Engineering Director at Transport
for Wales said:
“This new facility is a major step forward in boosting the
availability of our fleet of trains, especially as we head into
the tougher Autumn and Winter months. It will help us run more
efficiently, further strengthen our inhouse maintenance
capabilities, and show our dedication to providing a more
reliable service across the Wales and Borders network.
"It's also a key milestone in making operations more efficient
across North Wales, highlighting our continued focus on providing
top-quality transport services for the region."
Alasdair MacDonald, Operational Director for Balfour
Beatty, said:
"The opening of the Holyhead Wheel Lathe marks a significant
milestone not just for Transport for Wales, but for rail
infrastructure across North Wales.
“This facility is the first to be delivered under the Welsh
Government's Network North Wales Strategy and will play a vital
role in maintaining the new fleet of trains.
“We're proud to have delivered a project that combines technical
excellence with long-term operational impact, supporting smoother
journeys, reduced delays, and a more resilient rail network for
the region."
