Alstom’s Crewe UK HVAC Overhaul: HS2 Bogie & Job Growth

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Introduction

Alstom inaugurated a new train component overhaul and repair facility at its Crewe Works site in Cheshire, UK, on November 6, 2025, following a multi-million-pound investment. The expansion includes a dedicated area for refurbishing heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) units and expanded office space, and has created 70 skilled jobs.

Facility Upgrades

The upgraded Crewe Works facility features specialist test cells for climatic chamber testing, which allows examination of HVAC systems under simulated service conditions. The refurbishment process includes replacing refrigerant and worn components to ensure operational efficiency and system longevity.

HVAC Overhaul

The facility is presently overhauling HVAC units for several train classes, including Class 334, Class 375, Class 377, Class 387 and Class 390. Additional work on Class 222 and Class 378 is scheduled for 2026.

Job Creation and Expansion

The expansion has resulted in the creation of 70 skilled jobs, a figure expected to increase to around 110 in the coming year. Crewe Works also hosts Alstom’s UK Centre of Excellence for bogie, wheel and traction motor overhaul. Alstom will produce bogies for High Speed Two (HS2) rolling stock at Crewe, marking the resumption of UK manufacturing of these components after nearly 20 years. Over the past decade, the site has overhauled more than 20,000 bogies for the UK rail market.

Office Refurbishment

In parallel with technical upgrades, Alstom worked with Woodhouse to refurbish the General Office space at Crewe Works. The redesigned office features a mezzanine level with meeting rooms and an open-plan workspace on the ground floor, supporting operational expansion and digital infrastructure for over 300 site employees.

Conclusion

Alstom’s Crewe Works, established in 1843, has undergone significant upgrades, including a new train component overhaul and repair facility, creating new jobs and expanding its operational capabilities. The site is currently overhauling HVAC units for multiple train classes and is set to produce bogies for HS2 rolling stock. Additionally, Alstom announced plans to hire nearly 120 manufacturing workers at its Plattsburgh, New York plant to meet growing demand for railcars to build 374 commuter railcars for NJ Transit.
Last June 2025, we published an article about Renfe’s cutting-edge Aranjuez maintenance hub. Click here to read – Future of Rail: Renfe’s Railway Technology Hub, Aranjuez: Essential Guide

Company Summary

Alstom: A global leader in the railway industry, providing a wide range of products and services, including rolling stock, signaling, and infrastructure solutions. Alstom operates the Crewe Works site in Cheshire, UK, which recently inaugurated a new train component overhaul and repair facility.

Woodhouse: Company that refurbished the General Office space at Crewe Works.

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