Bombardier

Train maker Bombardier Transportation UK has suspended production in Derby because of the coronavirus pandemic.

The business has taken the "difficult decision" to pause rolling stock production at the Litchurch Lane site, where about 2,000 staff work, "pending further clarity from government on social distancing rules".

A Bombardier spokesman said: “In the current unprecedented circumstances, we want to protect our people from COVID-19, support the UK government’s efforts to delay and mitigate the virus, and to ensure sustainable business continuity."

BBCCopyright: BBC

He added that the firm's staff will continue to provide maintence support on the trains it built for the rail network and London Underground.

Staff at the Derby Etches Park site will remain working there to service trains for East Midlands Railway.

"Our staff will be protected by enhanced safe working practices, while across the business our people are continuing to work from home.

"We look forward to the full resumption of production, and to the continued success of Britain’s leading rail engineering business,” the spokesman added.

ReutersCopyright: Reuters

Canada's Bombardier has agreed to sell its aerostructures business to Spirit AeroSystems for more than $1bn in cash and debt.

As part of the deal, Bombardier will sell two aerostructure facilities - a Belfast plant and another in Morocco - along with a smaller repair plant in Dallas.

The move is part of the Canadian company's plan to shed its commercial aviation business to focus on its higher-margin business jets and rail divisions.

"This transaction represents another strategic milestone in the reshaping of our portfolio to focus on our strong business aircraft and rail franchises," Bombardier chief executive Alain Bellemare said.