Vivarail heads for administration
SOUTHAM (Warwickshire)- based rolling stock manufacturer Vivarail announced its intention to appoint administrators on November 24. Established in 2013 by industry veteran Adrian Shooter CBE, Vivarail has re-engineered former London Underground Tube stock for service elsewhere (Classes 230, 484), and developed its patented Fast Charge system, which is claimed to recharge a battery-powered train in just 10 minutes. Since inception, the company has benefited from the financial support of a sole investment partner. However, having agreed to operate without reliance on further funding in early 2022, Vivarail’s board of directors approved a sale process and have been working hard to attract new investors. Vivarail’s managing director Steve McBride said: “Combined with slow market conditions and delays in reaching certain key commercial arrangements, we have had no choice but to file a Notice of Intention to appoint Administrators with the courts.” If a rescue package is unsuccessful, administration will be inevitable.