TITLE:   Renewing the Great Western Railway Fleet

Summary of Talk

Over the next few years the Great Western Railway will see a rolling stock transformation with the introduction of new Electric Multiple Units in the Thames valley and new bi-mode Hitachi Intercity Express Trains for use on long distance services. Andy Mellors, GWR Deputy Managing Director and Engineering Director, will give an insight into the rolling stock plans and the challenges of introducing these new fleets as well as the resultant cascade of existing rolling stock elsewhere within the franchise.

Biog. for Presenter

Andy Mellors, BEng (Hons) FIMechE. MIET has been Engineering Director at Great Western Railway since March 2007 and is responsible for leading the engineering function of over 1,200 employees, the majority of whom work in GWR's seven maintenance depots. The company currently maintains and operates a fleet of over 900 rail vehicles. Andy is also Deputy Managing Director.

He joined the railway industry in 1988 as a sponsored student and has held a number of posts since graduation. He joined First Group in 2002 and was Engineering Director at First North Western(2003 to 2004) and Engineering Director and Deputy Managing Director at First Scotrail (2004 to 2007).

He has been a Fellow of the IMechE since 2007. 

Attendees should park in the visitors car park outside the security gate at the entrance to the Leonardo works. A visitors pass and access  to the site will be given in the security lodge.