CAF Rail UK, the UK subsidiary of Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles, a Spanish based Rolling Stock manufacturer, has taken nearly 1,500 sq ft on a 3 year lease at MAG’s Airport City.
CAF Rail UK has moved its UK HQ into Voyager, directly next to Manchester Airport train station, and within minutes of the passenger terminals, supporting its growing UK operation.
Gavin Eakin, UK Financial Controller at CAF Rail UK, said: “As a global firm ramping up our presence in the North of England, following contract wins with Northern and Transpennine Express, we were looking for a central, strategic location with great transport links. Manchester Airport was an obvious answer we benefit not only from a train station directly next to our office, but also air links to the rest of the UK and Europe.”
CAF has been active in the UK for over twenty years. It has built trains for the Heathrow Express and Translink in Northern Ireland, as well as trams in Edinburgh and Birmingham. During this time its UK headcount has grown to more than 80 with plans for this to increase to 200 by 2018.
Lisa Grierson, Estates Manager, MAG Property, said: “Its pleasing to see another company realise and enjoy the advantage of locating at Manchester Airport.
“Our focus at MAG Property is to provide the right kind of property and location to suit the individual needs of businesses and, in particular, those in industry sectors that benefit from airport locations. I know that CAF Rail UK will benefit from being at one of the best connected locations in the North West as they look to grow their business in this region and beyond.”
In January, the company signed a deal with Eversholt Rail Group and Arriva Rail North to supply 43 Civity EMUs and 55 DMUs for the Northern rail franchise. This was followed in May by contracts to supply 12 EMUs and 66 push-pull coaches for FirstGroups TransPennine Express franchise.
Last year the company signed a contract to supply 75 coaches for Caledonian Sleeper services between London and Scotland.