Alstom’s UK Crewe Works: HVAC, HS2 Bogie Overhaul & Expansion

Introduction

Alstom has inaugurated a new train component overhaul and repair facility at its Crewe Works in Cheshire, UK, following an investment exceeding GBP 2 million (EUR 2.3 million). The facility incorporates advanced technology and new offices, enhancing the historic site’s capabilities.

HVAC Unit Refurbishment

Alstom has established a state-of-the-art area within Crewe Works dedicated to refurbishing heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) units. These units regulate a train’s air temperature, humidity, and quality by drawing in, heating or cooling, and circulating air while managing ventilation and filtration. The new equipment in Crewe facilitates expert inspection, regassing, and brazing of HVAC units.

Operational Enhancements

As part of a full overhaul and repair, operatives replace refrigerant and worn parts to restore systems to optimal performance and extend their lifespan. Crewe’s bespoke test cells enable climatic chamber examinations to replicate onboard conditions. The facility’s opening has doubled the processing capacity from 16 HVAC units per week to 35, with a target of 50 by January through further expansion. Seventy new skilled roles have been created, with a planned increase to around 110 in the New Year.

Current and Future Projects

Operatives are currently overhauling HVAC units on Class 334, Class 375, Class 377, Class 387, and Class 390 trains, with work on Class 222 and Class 378 trains scheduled for 2026. Crewe Works also houses Alstom’s UK Centre of Excellence for Bogie, Wheel, and Traction Motor Overhaul, having overhauled over 20,000 bogies in the last decade. Looking ahead, Alstom will manufacture bogies for the High Speed Two (HS2) rolling stock at the Crewe facility.

Office Space Refurbishment

Alstom collaborated with Woodhouse to refurbish their General Office space within the Crewe Works site. The 20,000 sq ft space features a design that honors the building’s industrial heritage. It includes a new mezzanine level with meeting rooms, a ground-floor open-plan office, additional meeting spaces, and a reception area. The refurbishment also incorporates a breakout and teapoint area to encourage staff collaboration.

Conclusion

The new facility at Alstom’s Crewe Works includes enhanced capabilities for HVAC unit refurbishment and office space renovation. This expansion has increased processing capacity, created new jobs, and positioned the site for future projects.

Alstom

Alstom is a company that has opened a new train component overhaul and repair facility inside its Crewe Works through an investment of more than GBP 2 million (EUR 2.3 million) in new technology and offices at Crewe Works, in Cheshire, UK.

Woodhouse

Woodhouse developed a progressive design for the 20,000 sq ft space that has enabled the office area to adapt and support Alstom’s growth plans for the Crewe Works site.

HVAC

HVAC stands for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning.