DB ESG, a leading provider of rolling stock engineering solutions, has officially opened a state-of-the-art facility in Derby, positioning the city as a centre of excellence for technological advancement in the UK rail sector.
The new facility, named the Rail Technology Hub, marks a significant investment by DB ESG and is set to accelerate innovation, engineering, and collaboration across the industry.
Strategic Expansion in the Rail Capital
Located near DB ESG’s existing operations on the rtc Business Park in Derby, the new Hub is a strategic expansion driven by rapid growth in customer demand and specialist teams. The large-scale facility is designed to support customers with cutting-edge solutions focused on enhancing the efficiency, sustainability, and longevity of rolling stock.
Nick Goodhand, Managing Director, DB ESG, stated the facility represents a commitment to future-proofing the sector:
“The Rail Technology Hub represents our commitment to staying at the forefront of rail innovation. It’s a strategic expansion that enables us to better serve our customers, collaborate with industry partners, and develop technologies that will shape the future of rail.”
Dedicated Engineering Spaces
Spanning over 18,000 sq. ft., the Rail Technology Hub will house several crucial functions and teams:
- Digital Engineering Laboratory: This expanded lab will feature additional 3D printers and workspace to support the growing Digital Engineering team. Since 2018, this team has pioneered the use of 3D scanning and printing to combat obsolescence in the sector, having produced thousands of components for rail stakeholders.
- Project Services Team: To meet increasing demand for spares holding, modification equipment, turnkey installations, and repairs, the team will benefit from a larger dedicated workshop.
- Future Technologies Team: This unit, focused on sustainability, will use the new space to work on and test cutting-edge solutions such as hydrogen linked with carbon capture devices for internal combustion engines, alongside advanced data systems for predictive maintenance.
- Battery Development: In partnership with Turntide Technologies, the Hub will be used to build, test, and refine battery boxes for UK rolling stock, advancing the deployment of battery technology in the sector.
The facility also boasts a large workshop with mainline access and two roads with inspection pits, providing crucial infrastructure for testing and installation. Furthermore, the Hub includes dedicated spaces for project collaboration with key industry partners.
