Talgo’s bid to bring major train manufacturing to Longannet is on track.
The company has already confirmed it wants to turn the site of the former power station into a manufacturing hub, generating more than 1,000 jobs.
Moving into the old site is dependent on the company winning contracts for building carriages for major train contracts in the UK and across the world.
Earlier this year the firm’s president confirmed it was “full steam ahead” for plans to create the new hub.
The company provides high-speed trains across the world including in Spain, Germany, Kazakhstan and the west coast of Canada.
The Spanish firm hopes to establish itself in the UK market, but faces stiff competition from the likes of manufacturing giants Hitachi and Siemens for large contracts.
Sir Simon Hughes, the UK strategic advisor to Talgo, met with local SNP MP Douglas Chapman in Westminister.
The Dunfermline and West Fife politician followed that up with a meeting with John Veitch, the company’s key account manager for the UK and Ireland.
They told him how the company uses technology and plans to create an “immersive customer experience” at Longannet, plus developing the site into an engineering hub that will bring huge economic and community benefits to west Fife.
“I was very impressed with what both Sir Simon and Jonathan told me about how their bids for major rail contracts have progressed since the last time we spoke and their hopes to have Kincardine-built trains exported worldwide as rail travel demand grows.
“Talgo certainly has an impressive resume having supplied trains around the world, but winning these contracts would really allow it to put its stamp on the UK market.
“If substantial contracts are awarded to Talgo it would be a huge boost for manufacturing in Scotland and great news for young people with an eye on a career in engineering.”
Mr Chapman said the closure of the power station had been a bitter blow but the creation of 1,000 new high quality jobs would give communities around the plant – Kincardine, Culross and Valleyfield – a confidence boost.
“Talgo winning a major contract and starting production also brings other opportunities, such as opening up the Dunfermline to Alloa line, which would give easier access to rail travel for thousands of west Fifers.
“I’m really excited about the prospect of Talgo starting production at Longannet and we should all have our fingers crossed that they can bring success to Fife.”
