Stafford Unveils New World-Class Welding Facility

Over 65 special guests, including representatives from local government, education and training organisations attended this special event.  David Kidney, MP for Stafford and Under Secretary of State at the Department of Energy and Climate Change, performed the honours by cutting the red ribbon alongside Steve Jones, Head of Thermal Services for Alstom Power UK, and Steve Burgin, Alstom UK Country President. The Mayor of Stafford, Councillor Jean Tabernor, was also present. Guests were able to learn more about Alstoms recent investment in the new state-of-the-art facility, which will make a major contribution to improving engineering skills in the region and across the UK.

The new facility provides welding bays for 18 people working at one time, a classroom, staff facilities and offices to house 6 key personnel. Alstom has also invested in the latest energy efficiency systems for the power and lighting aspects of the facility, reducing power wastage.

We now have the capacity to deliver almost 9,000 training days per year, allowing at least 275 welders per annum to upgrade their skills.  We will provide basic welding appreciation courses as well as highly advanced practical training for employees and customers alike. The facility also contains an expanded research and development bay where new welding will be tested and developed.