Alstom has entered into a contract with c2c to undertake paint and repair work on the Class 357 Electrostar fleet in the United Kingdom. The work is scheduled over a 24-month period at Alstom's Ilford depot in East London.
The Class 357 trains, built between 1999 and 2002 at Alstom's Derby Litchurch Lane site, have been a part of c2c's operations for over two decades. These trains, leased from Angel Trains and Porterbrook, have collectively covered more than 150 million miles in service.
Alstom's Ilford depot, with a strong background in heavy maintenance and various modernisation and refurbishment programs, will manage the paint and repair processes. The depot, employing around 120 people, is set to add up to 25 new jobs to handle this contract.
The maintenance scope for the Class 357s includes the repair of various corrosion issues and the repainting of all units. The use of water-based paint solutions highlights a focus on safety and environmental considerations.
Involving several UK suppliers, including SMEs, the project is aligned with Alstom's commitment to ethical and sustainable practices. The Ilford depot itself, opened in 1949, has expanded its capabilities over the years to include a range of services such as modernisation, vehicle painting, re-branding, and overhaul, among others.
This contract is part of Alstom’s ongoing efforts to support rail operations throughout the asset lifecycle.
c2c operates the London, Tilbury, and Southend line. The refresh of the Class 357 fleet is expected to align these trains with the newer Class 720 Aventra trains, also produced by Alstom and currently in operation by c2c.
