Senior CAF representatives – Group CEO Javier Martínez, Rolling Stock CEO Josu Imaz and UK Director Richard Garner – attended a meeting with Welsh First Minister Mark Drakeford at his Cardiff office on Wednesday 23 March.
The meeting was an opportunity for CAF to update the Government on the building of new Wales and Borders trains at the company’s state-of-the-art facility in Newport, South Wales, and discuss future projects, including the growing opportunities in the maintenance of CAF trains going forward.
Building on the strong relationships already established in Wales, CAF also discussed future opportunities to support local community projects and continue developing a cluster of local and national companies to provide components for its trains.
CAF’s fleet of 77 Class 197 Civity diesel multiple units (DMUs) – 51 two-car and 26 three-car units – will be the mainstay of inter-urban, long-distance and rural services across the Wales and Borders network, serving destinations including Holyhead, Fishguard and Liverpool.
The vehicles are due to be launched into passenger service later this year.
CAF Group CEO Javier Martínez comments: “It was a privilege to meet with Mr Drakeford to discuss contract progress and future employment requirements as well as further opportunities to continue to support the Welsh economy.
“CAF is immensely proud to be playing a key role in delivering Transport for Wales’ commitment to transform rail travel.
“Our ‘Made in Wales’ trains put passengers’ needs front and centre and will provide a high-quality, reliable, and comfortable journey across the Welsh rail network.”
First Minister of Wales Mark Drakeford said: “CAF has established itself as a key member of the business community in Wales.
“This was a welcome opportunity to meet with the company as we work together to improve Wales’ transport network.”
CAF has invested more than £30m in establishing its world-leading factory at Celtic Business Park, in Llanwern, receiving significant grant support from the Welsh Government’s Inward Investment Programme.
The facility is over 46,000 square metres in size and employs around than 250 people, including skilled technicians, engineers, management, support staff and apprentices.
Key to growing CAF’s business operations within the UK, the facility was specifically designed to build a range of different vehicles, including hybrid diesel multiple units, electric multiple units and battery electric multiple units.
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