ERIKS and Tfl open new traction motor facility in West London

Industrial service provider ERIKS has strengthened a collaboration with Transport for London (TfL) through the opening of a new engineering workshop in Greenford, West London. The re-furbished £1.2 million facility, dedicated solely to servicing TfL’s traction motors, enhances operational efficiency while supporting TfL’s wider goals of delivering measurable social value in the communities it serves.

Designed to meet TfL’s specific requirements, the Greenford facility has more than doubled its production capacity, ensuring more efficient maintenance of the traction motors that power the trains in London’s Tube network. 

Pamela Bingham, CEO of ERIKS UK & Ireland, commented: "This facility represents a significant milestone in our partnership with TfL. It not only enables us to deliver enhanced support for the capital’s transport network but also reflects our dedication to making a positive impact through local employment and education. By offering high-quality jobs and paid training opportunities, we are building a sustainable workforce that will benefit the area for years to come."

The Greenford workshop has now doubled its workforce from 11 to 23 employees, with pay reflecting the skills of the team and exceeding the London minimum wage. Through partnerships with South Thames Colleges Group, Rosedale College, and UTC Heathrow, the workshop offers paid T-Level placements, giving aspiring engineers practical experience in a professional environment. These efforts align with TfL’s mission to support community development while maintaining the reliability of its transport network.

Henry Yeomans, Head of Commercial and Procurement at TfL, said: "The work being done here at Greenford is vital to ensuring we can keep London moving. The investment made by ERIKS into this modern facility and the training of its team directly supports our ability to put trains on the tracks and deliver for the people who depend on us. ERIKS’ focus on innovation, sustainability, and local engagement aligns perfectly with our vision for a better and more resilient transport network."

Sustainability is a key feature of the new Greenford workshop. The facility incorporates innovations such as a closed water system to minimise waste and a process for recycling surplus materials like copper, supporting a circular economy approach. Locating the workshop in Greenford also reduces transportation emissions, as motors no longer need to be sent hundreds of miles for servicing. These measures align with TfL’s sustainability framework, which prioritises decarbonisation and reducing environmental impacts across the transport network.