Department of Transport

Watts greets sale of BR manufacturing business
_______________________________________________________________

date 10 July 1995
source Department of Transport
type Press release

note 211

John Watts, Minister for Railways and Roads, today welcomed the sale
of one of British Rail's Central Services manufacturing companies,
Baileyfield Switches and Crossings Works.

BR has sold the Baileyfield Works to VAE Baileyfield Ltd, a
subsidiary of VAE Aktiengesellschaft of Vienna.

Mr Watts said:

"This is a further step along the road to privatisation. It
demonstrates the private sector's interest in the process, and its
commitment to the long term future of the railway industry, not just
in the UK but throughout Europe.

"This is very good news for VAE Baileyfield's customers and staff
alike".

A number of organisations expressed interest in the Edinburgh-based
business, which led to competitive bids from a range of significant
companies. The Works are being sold as a going concern, employing
about 20 staff in producing railway track switches, crossings and
rail insulation block joints. The Works had a turnover of about
#3.5m in the financial year 1994-95.

NOTE TO EDITORS

1. The Baileyfield Works forms part of BR's Central Services. BR
plan to dispose of nearly 20 other Central Service businesses by the
end of the current financial year.

Public Enquiries: 0171 276 0800

# = pounds sterling

Railhub Archive ::: 1995-07-10 DoT-001