GIBSON’S Engineering, a leader in the field of train manufacturing, maintenance and repairs, welcomed the first train to its new facility at the world-famous St Rollox rail depot in Springburn, Glasgow. Gibson’s will now begin work on its first contract, and with more contracts in the pipeline, this marks the first step in restoring Glasgow to its former glory as a hub for advanced rail engineering.
Affectionately known locally as ‘The Caley’, St Rollox is the largest manufacturing, maintenance and repair depot in Scotland. After the reopening of the site earlier this year, the arrival of the first trains for repair heralds the start of a new chapter for rail engineering in Glasgow.
Fraser Gibson, Managing Director of Gibson’s Engineering, said:
“The first train entering St Rollox is a proud moment for the team, and getting here required a lot of hard work and collaboration with Network Rail. This is a really exciting moment for Glasgow and Scotland, given what we are planning to do and the number of people that we’re going to employ. The size of the site gives us an opportunity to do more training, take on more apprentices, and make this place a centre of engineering once again.
“St Rollox has always been the main hub of the British engineering industry, so we want it to thrive once again. We’re going to put it back on the map – not just for the UK rail industry, Europe’s.”
David Moulsdale, Non-Executive Chairman at Gibson’s Engineering, said:
“Growing up nearby, I remember the importance of St Rollox to the community and had family and friends who worked here. It is very emotional to see it up and running again, and we’re determined to grow the business quickly and make it successful. There are huge opportunities in the market, and we are perfectly placed to take advantage and restore ‘The Caley’ to what it once was.”
Speaking about the re-opening of the facility in May, Professor Sir Jim McDonald GBE, Principal of the University of Strathclyde and President of the Royal Academy of Engineering, said:
“Engineering, technology and an entrepreneurial spirit serve as the foundation of Scotland’s innovation and progress, and have done so for centuries. Glasgow and the West of Scotland at large are going through an engineering renaissance in several areas including manufacturing, energy, aerospace and many others. This enhances the opportunity for Gibson’s Engineering to influence the industrial landscape and further propel advancements in railway engineering while also helping to preserve Scotland’s rich heritage. I commend David Moulsdale and the Gibsons for their vision and commitment to drive this pioneering project.”
Speaking about the re-opening of the facility in May, Scottish three-time Formula One world champion, Sir Jackie Stewart OBE said:
“Growing up close to Glasgow, I was always proud of the city’s reputation for engineering expertise, and the Caley was at the forefront of that. By reopening the site, David Moulsdale and the team at Gibson’s Engineering are breathing new life into Scotland’s train manufacturing sector. I wish them all the best in this new venture, as it builds from strength to strength.”
