Lucchini Unipart Rail (LUR) has officially opened its new state-of-the-art Wheelset Repair Facility in Trafford Park, Manchester, marking a major milestone in its investment to expand its industrial footprint in Greater Manchester.
The new 63,000 sq ft facility was unveiled by Riccardo Pasinetti, Commercial Director of Lucchini RS Group in Italy and LUR Board Member, during a special opening ceremony attended by key customers, shareholders, representatives from the Department for Transport, Greater Manchester Combined Authority, and MIDAS.
Lucchini Unipart Rail (LUR) is a UK-based joint venture between Lucchini RS Group and Unipart. Mr Pasinetti officially opened the facility by unveiling a commemorative plaque. This expansion represents LUR’s ongoing commitment to strengthening its UK operations and long-term support for the rail sector. He said: “This is more than just the opening of a new facility. It represents our commitment to continued investment in the UK rail industry, the strong partnership between Lucchini RS and Unipart, and the future growth of LUR.”
The new Trafford Park site brings LUR’s light wheelset repair, component overhaul and warehouse operations closer to its existing head office and manufacturing plant, enhancing efficiency and coordination. Located just a short distance from LUR’s 118,000 sq ft facility for wheel and axle machining and wheelset overhaul, the expanded footprint reflects a strategic move to optimise services and meet growing customer demand.
As part of the investment, the facility has been refurbished to accommodate new equipment and processes that will enable LUR to increase monthly wheelset capacity to up to 800 units per month – critical to supporting the needs of both passenger and freight rail operators across the UK.
Phil Chilton, Managing Director of LUR, said: “Today’s opening marks a significant step in our journey. With this new facility now fully operational, we are better placed than ever to serve our customers with innovative solutions meeting our customers’ requirements. It’s a proud moment that celebrates both our heritage and our future. As we celebrate the 10th anniversary of our joint venture, we are grateful to our partners, stakeholders, and employees whose support and dedication have helped us reach this milestone. This facility demonstrates our long-term commitment to manufacturing in the UK, to innovation, and to delivering sustainable growth.”
The event also drew strong regional support from economic development and government leaders.
Joe Manning, Managing Director of MIDAS, Manchester’s Inward Investment Agency, said: “This investment by LUR is a fantastic endorsement of Greater Manchester’s strengths in advanced manufacturing and rail engineering. Trafford Park has a long industrial heritage, and LUR’s expansion not only maintains high-quality jobs and innovation in the area, but also contributes to our ambitions for a greener, more connected transport infrastructure. We are proud to have supported LUR in making this important expansion.”
Cllr Tom Ross, Leader of Trafford Council, said: “We’re delighted to see this major development for LUR in Trafford Park – a prime location with a longstanding reputation as a home to cutting-edge industry. The opening of the facility aligns with the Council’s priority for a thriving economy in Trafford. This advanced level of support for the UK rail industry will help to advance green travel, and address climate change, way beyond our borough.”
The opening of the new Manchester site follows the relocation of LUR’s light Wheelset Repair Facility from Chadderton and complements its existing Gearbox Service Facility nearby. LUR is also progressing the expansion of its Bogie Service Facility in Doncaster, which will double its capacity as it moves to its new 102,000 sq ft site in Warmsworth.
With deep roots in the rail industry and a legacy of over 100 years in manufacturing, LUR continues to evolve to meet modern demands. Its joint venture model – underpinned by Lucchini RS Group’s steel manufacturing and wheelset component expertise and Unipart’s rail, technology and operational excellence expertise – offers a unique end-to-end capability “From Furnace to Fleet”.
The investment further strengthens LUR’s position as a vital part of the UK rail supply chain.
