WIREDGOV

Bombardier Transportation UK Ltd, Hitachi Rail Europe and Alstrom Transport are hosting the rail industry supply chain event  in conjunction with the Welsh Government.

Procurement specialists from the three organisations will be present to outline details of key projects they are currently working on and the potential supply chain opportunities  for Welsh SMEs.

The event at Cardiff City Stadium today (on Monday January 20) is targeted at companies already active in the rail industry as well as businesses in the aerospace, automotive and ICT sectors to raise awareness of diversification opportunities.

This is the fourth in a series of events organised by the Welsh Government’s advanced manufacturing and materials sector team to develop supply chain capability within SMEs and raise the profile of Welsh manufacturers.

Economy Minister Edwina Hart, who will address the event, said:

”There are a number of very substantial investments being made in rail infrastructure and rolling stock across the UK over the next ten years.
“We want Welsh businesses to be in a position to benefit from these contracts wherever possible. This event provides companies with a great opportunity to meet these contractors,  speak to their buyers, get a better understanding of their requirements and discuss supplier opportunities.”

Previous Welsh Government activity has included supporting SMEs at Railtex 2013; participating in an awareness event in partnership with Rail Alliance in Cardiff and a delegation of twenty companies  were taken to Bombardier’s HQ in Derby in October to meet the procurement team.