Unlocking Welsh Rail Opportunities: Industry Wales at InnoTrans 2024
As the wheels of innovation continue to turn, Industry Wales proudly supported the Welsh rail sector at InnoTrans 2024 - the world's leading trade fair for transport technology held in Berlin, Germany.
This biennial event gathers the global rail industry's brightest minds and most innovative companies, offering a platform for networking, collaboration, and showcasing cutting-edge technologies.
InnoTrans 2024: A Global Rail Extravaganza
InnoTrans is nothing short of colossal. Spanning 42 halls and covering over 108,000 square meters of indoor space, with an additional 200,000 square meters outdoors featuring rail tracks for rolling stock displays, it's the epicentre the rail industry. Over 2,000 exhibitors and hundreds of thousands of visitors converge to explore everything rail-related—from infrastructure and passenger services to rolling stock and technology solutions.
Wales on the Global Stage
Our mission at InnoTrans was twofold: to promote the Welsh rail industry's capabilities and to attract inward investment. Supporting Welsh businesses is at the heart of what we do at Industry Wales, an arm's-length company owned by the Welsh Government. We advise Welsh Government ministers on the economic advantages of manufacturing within Wales and work tirelessly to support our local industries.
This year, we were thrilled to accompany four outstanding Welsh companies:
1. Charcroft Electronics: Specialists in manufacturing electronic components used in various circuits for different applications.
2. Tilon: Innovators in producing noise barriers from recycled plastic, offering eco-friendly solutions with anti-graffiti coatings.
3. KGJ Price Ltd: Experts in engineering rail connections and points, crucial for the safe and efficient operation of rail networks.
4. The Aluminium Lighting Company: Creators of patented aluminium masts with a unique lowering mechanism for safe, ground-level maintenance—eliminating the need for ladders or cherry pickers.
A Warm Reception and Promising Opportunities
The Welsh stand attracted significant interest, thanks in part to our ongoing projects like the Global Centre of Rail Excellence (GCRE) and the South Wales Metro. Visitors were keen to learn about these initiatives, and our Welsh companies benefited from the exposure to a broader market.
The GCRE is a transformative project for Wales and the UK rail industry. Located on a 700-hectare site—equivalent to the size of Gibraltar—near Neath and the edge of the Brecon Beacons, this facility will be a hub for innovation and testing. Key features include:
- Two Test Loops: A 7km high-speed loop for rolling stock testing at speeds exceeding 125 mph and a separate infrastructure test loop.
- Infrastructure Testing: The facility will simulate the passage of 100 million tonnes annually, allowing for rigorous testing of track and other infrastructure components.
- Investment: Backed by £50 million from the Welsh Government, £20 million from the UK Government, and £15 million from Innovate UK, the project seeks a total of £450 million, inviting private investors to contribute.
(Source: [Welsh Government Press Release, 2023](https://gov.wales/global-centre-of-rail-excellence))
The South Wales Metro and Beyond:
The South Wales Metro is another significant project enhancing connectivity and economic growth in the region. By modernizing the transport network, it aims to provide more frequent and reliable services, reduce travel times, and support sustainable transport options.
Plans are also underway for the South West and North Wales Metro projects as well, emphasizing the Welsh Government’s commitment to improving infrastructure across the nation.
(Source: [Transport for Wales, 2023](https://trc.cymru/projects/metro))
Economic Impact and Job Creation
The rail industry in Wales is on an upward trajectory:
- Job Creation: The GCRE alone is expected to create up to 250 permanent jobs and support thousands more in the construction phase.
- Economic Growth: Investments in rail projects contribute significantly to the Welsh economy, promoting regional development and attracting further investment.
- Supply Chain Opportunities: With projects like the GCRE and metro systems, there's a surge in demand for construction, engineering, and manufacturing services.
(Source: [Economy and Infrastructure Statistics, Welsh Government, 2023](https://gov.wales/economy-and-infrastructure-statistics))
A Decade of Progress
Reflecting on the past ten years, Wales has firmly established itself in the rail sector. Our focus on rail as a special interest area has fostered a thriving community on both the rolling stock and infrastructure sides. The momentum we've built with projects like the GCRE and metro systems attracts global attention and opens doors for Welsh companies.
Looking Ahead
The future is bright for the Welsh rail industry. We're not stopping at current projects; plans for further developments are already in motion, promising continued growth and opportunities.
Join Us on This Journey
At Industry Wales, we're passionate about supporting businesses and fostering economic growth. Whether you're a local company seeking to expand or an international business looking for new opportunities, we're here to help.
Contact us today to discover how we can support your business ambitions in Wales's dynamic rail industry.
Mike Gillard, Supply Chain Development Manager, Industry Wales