Alstom to build multi-million pound new offices in Stafford

The international engineering firm wants to build the facility at Redhill Business Park and open it by the end of 2016, when the firm's UK automation activities will move from its current location at its St Leonards site.

The business will be the first company to move onto the county-council developed business park and the scheme has been welcomed by council chiefs.

It will house 400 staff but is not currently expected to create new jobs with the move.

Terence Watson, Alstom's UK president, said it was an exciting development for the grid business which has been operating out of its existing premises for over half a century.

He said: "The new facility will be state-of-the-art and will be fit for purpose, as well as better reflecting the high-tech nature of our business."

Staffordshire County Council's economy leader Mark Winnington said: "Alstom is one of Staffordshire's flagship companies and a global leader.

"To have it commit to Stafford and to the county in the long term is fantastic news for everyone."

The automation division makes high-tech electronic equipment that helps companies like National Grid control the flow of electricity.

A planning application has been lodged with Stafford Borough Council and a decision is due to be made in the upcoming months.

Around 1,400 people work for Alstom's Grid business in Stafford, with another 300 in the company's thermal power unit, making the company the town's largest private sector employer.

In the UK, Alstom is active in the rail, power and electricity transmission sectors, operates from 30 sites and employs more than 6,500 people across the country.