Lucchini Unipart Rail (LUR) is investing £6.5 million to expand its operational capacity across two key UK sites in response to increased demand from the rail sector.
The joint venture between Lucchini RS Group and Unipart will relocate its Doncaster bogie servicing operation to a new 102,000 sq ft facility in Warmsworth. This move will double the size of the current Hexthorpe Road site and boost output of overhauled and refurbished bogies for passenger, freight, locomotive, and light rail use.
In Manchester, LUR’s wheelset repair operations will shift from Chadderton to a 63,000 sq ft facility in Trafford Park, bringing it closer to its existing 118,000 sq ft head office and manufacturing plant. The gearbox servicing operation, also based in Trafford Park, will remain at its current 20,000 sq ft site.
The investment includes new machinery and technology to increase throughput to 800 wheelsets in Manchester and 80 bogies per month in Doncaster.
Both new sites are refurbishing and are expected to be fully operational by autumn 2025. The expansion aligns with LUR’s long-term strategy to enhance flexibility, improve operational efficiency, and better serve the evolving needs of the UK rail industry.
The business currently employs 380 staff across its Doncaster and Manchester locations, and this investment is set to strengthen its regional presence in South Yorkshire and the North West.
