CAF Rail UK, the UK subsidiary of Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarilles, a Spanish based Rolling Stock Manufacturer, has recently moved into Voyager, the high quality office building situated within Airport City Manchester, taking nearly 1,500 sq ft on a 3 year lease.
Voyager is located directly next to Manchester Airport train station, and within minutes of the passenger terminals. It will serve as CAF Rail UK’s main UK HQ and help it support its growing UK operation.
Gavin Eakin, UK Financial Controller at CAF Rail UK, said: “As a global firm ramping up on 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 20 years and has also 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: “It’s 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 FirstGroup’s Transpennine Express franchise. Last year the company signed a contract to supply 75 coaches for Caledonian Sleeper services between London and Scotland.