Talgo S A : Recognises TSSA Trade Union

Following very productive talks at the end of last week at Talgo's global headquarters in Madrid, Talgo UK and the TSSA (Transport Salaried Staffs' Association) have agreed in principle to union recognition for its staff based in its head office and research and design centre in Chesterfield.

TSSA General Secretary, Manuel Cortes, said:

"I am absolutely delighted that our union is building on the excellent relationship that we have established with Talgo UK, by looking to formalise this through a recognition agreement.

"We are extremely excited that train building from scratch is coming back to our shores.

"Talgo's commitment to open a research and design (R&D) facility in Chesterfield will create many highly-skilled jobs in North Derbyshire and a world class train design facility in the UK.

"This is great news for our economy, our engineering skill base and for our rail industry."

Managing Director of Talgo UK, Jon Veitch, said:

"Talgo was created by the current President's Grandfather, over 75 years ago. Since then it has been a matter of pride that Talgo has a mutual respect and understanding with employees.

"World-class companies only move forward if they bring their people with them, through sharing the vision, and maintaining standards and opportunities.

"Talgo UK will continue to maintain those values, and I look forward to a positive and open dialogue with the TSSA".

Talgo is a leading specialised rolling stock engineering company mainly focused on designing, manufacturing and servicing technologically differentiated, fast, lightweight trains.

Talgo has a presence in 44 countries including Spain, Germany, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Russia, the Middle East and the United States.

Talgo is renowned worldwide for its innovation, its unique technology, and reliability.

A key part of Talgo UK's strategy is 'knowledge transfer' - building UK domestic capacity for Research and Development.

An innovation hub is planned in Chesterfield. It will act as a focal point for Talgo UK's Research and Development, bringing together networks of engineering excellence, and creating new opportunities throughout the British Isles.

Talgo, together with Scottish Enterprise and Transport Scotland, has also signed a jointly agreed framework for the establishment of Longannet, Fife as a manufacturing base for Talgo UK.

Talgo is the rolling stock provider for the Haramain high speed railway line between La Mecca and Medina in the Middle-East, and provider of the new AVRIL train to Spanish operator Renfe.

Talgo aims for 'true manufacturing'. Instead of assembling kits of parts from overseas, the company wants to source components from within the United Kingdom. This approach will grow the UK's manufacturing capability, strengthen supply chains, create more jobs, and boost local economies.

Talgo intends not only to build for the UK market, but also to serve emerging overseas markets, boosting UK exports.

More information:
Talgo UK Please contact John Morris at JetSetJohnnie
07800 679050
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