Major London contract gives jobs boost for Glasgow firm
The contract with Transport for London will see workers stripping back and carrying out a complete overhaul of 23 long vehicle wagons.
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The work will last two years and generate 40 new jobs at the site.
Father and son duo Dougie and Fraser Gibson took on the yard with the ambition of returning it to be a major employer once again.
(Image: newsquest)
Fraser Gibson, managing director of Gibson's engineering, said: 'This is fantastic news for Gibson's, as well as for the wider Scottish rail industry.
'Since reopening St Rollox, Dougie and I have worked to restore its position as a centre for engineering excellence.
'This contract shows that we are well on our way to seeing The Caley thrive again, with a rapidly expanding workforce and significant new projects.'
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Tom Cunnington, TfL head of logistics and manufacturing, said: 'We're pleased that this new contract with Gibsons Engineering will utilise the St Rollox rail depot and help create new jobs for those living near Glasgow.
'Our extensive supply chain supports growth and opportunities right across the UK, with around two thirds of our suppliers based outside London, and nearly a third of our overall spend and resulting economic benefit therefore felt outside of London.
'By renewing vital transport infrastructure through sustained investment, we can drive economic growth, within London as well as across the UK.'
Paul Sweeney, Glasgow Labour MSP, a long-time campaigner to save the Caley as a railway engineering facility, said the deal shoed the yard has a future.
(Image: newsquest)
He said: 'I am delighted to see the St. Rollox 'Caley' Railway Works and its new operator Gibson's Engineering go from strength to strength, and the award of this major contract from Transport for London demonstrates that 'The Caley' has a viable future after being written off when the works closed down in 2019, after 163 years of operation.
"A century ago, Glasgow's Springburn district was the world's largest centre of locomotive production, with exports from its various railway works going all parts of the world.
"I have campaigned relentlessly and have supported the effort of the new owners to restore railway engineering work to 'The Caley', so it is exciting to see Gibson's Engineering revive this legendary locomotive works with this latest contract milestone and I know the difference it going to make to Springburn by providing skilled jobs for our young people and reviving local pride in skilled manufacturing work.
"I look forward to being as helpful as possible as they continue to pursue more contracts, hire more engineers, and build on Glasgow's illustrious reputation as a centre of engineering excellence.'
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