RCA Construction to Deliver Strategic Expansion for Wabtec’s Barton Facility
RCA Construction has been formally awarded the design-and-build contract for the major expansion of Wabtec’s manufacturing facility in Barton.
The project represents a cornerstone of Wabtec’s multi-million-pound investment in the UK rail supply chain, aimed at consolidating production and establishing a centre of excellence for rail component manufacturing.
The expansion will see the existing site grow significantly in terms of footprint and capability and provide the facility with additional capacity to absorb production lines from across the country. This strategic growth is expected to support 500 total employees at the site by late 2026.
RCA Construction aims to solve complex infrastructure challenges, specifically focusing on accommodating complex heavy-duty machining as part of the revamped manufacturing and maintenance process at Wabtec Barton/
The scope of works includes:
Design and build of all substructure related items across the site
Installation of an industry-leading Hegenscheidt wheel lathe
Installation and fit-out works for all facilities encompassed in the expansion
Securing the design-and-build contract for the Wabtec Barton expansion is a testament to our expertise in the industrial and rail sectors," said Paul Rawlings, Managing Director of RCA Construction. "Our focus is on delivering a facility that facilitates operational excellence while ensuring that construction does not impact Wabtec’s current delivery commitments
For Wabtec, the Barton expansion is more than a simple footprint increase; it is a vital modernisation of their UK operations. The facility will co-locate multiple product lines, including braking systems and electronic components, requiring RCA Construction to design versatile spaces that can adapt to changing technological requirements.
The project is a significant boost for the West Midlands' industrial landscape, with 150 new skilled jobs anticipated upon completion.
RCA Construction is operating on an accelerated delivery schedule with the facility set to be commissioned by end of 2026.
RCA Construction is proud to be reinforcing Wabtec Barton’s position as a cornerstone of manufacturing excellence in the UK. While the technical specifications outline the scope, the complexity of the works can only be fully appreciated through the fly-through visualisation provided below.