Doncaster expansion keeps LUR on track

A rail engineering company has expanded its operations with a new purpose-built facility.

Lucchini Unipart Rail (LUR) has officially opened its 102,000sq ft bogie service facility in Warmsworth, Doncaster, with mayor Ros Jones attending the launch. 

The move doubles the size of the company’s previous Hexthorpe site and reinforces LUR’s long-term commitment to the Doncaster and South Yorkshire region.

Bosses say the new site, which employs 90 staff and is a specialist in the overhaul and refurbishment of bogies for passenger, freight and light rail vehicles, is expected to increase monthly production capacity to 80 bogies, with additional investment in machinery and technology planned over the coming months.

Phil Chilton, managing director of LUR, said: “Opening our new Doncaster facility is a significant moment for LUR and a clear reflection of our commitment to supporting our customers with greater capacity and operational excellence. 

“We are proud to be investing in Doncaster – a city with a proud rail legacy – and it was an honour to be joined by so many of our partners and the mayor to celebrate this milestone.”

Around 50 customers, suppliers, and industry contacts attended the launch, which included the unveiling of a commemorative plaque and guided tours of the new premises. 

Speaking at the opening ceremony, mayor Jones said: “I’m delighted to officially open Lucchini Unipart Rail’s new facility here in Doncaster. 

“This investment represents a strong vote of confidence in our local economy and in Doncaster’s long-standing heritage in the rail industry. 

“It’s fantastic to see businesses like LUR continuing to grow, create skilled jobs, and support UK manufacturing right here in South Yorkshire.”

The Warmsworth site is part of a £7.5 million dual-site expansion, which also saw the relocation of LUR’s Manchester Wheelset Repair Facility, which was opened by Riccardo Pasinetti, commercial director of Lucchini RS Group in Italy and a LUR board member.

Now marking its tenth anniversary as a joint venture between Lucchini RS Group and Unipart, LUR employs 380 people across Doncaster and Manchester, supplying wheelsets, gearboxes and bogies. 

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