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OCS has secured a further extension to its facility services contract with Alstom, taking the partnership through to 2028. This continued collaboration reinforces a long-standing relationship supporting some of the UK’s busiest train routes and reflects Alstom’s confidence in OCS’s ability to deliver high-quality, flexible and cost-effective services in a uniquely complex environment.
Specialist rail cleaning services
OCS provides a broad range of specialist cleaning services to Alstom across key depot location,s including Polmadie in Glasgow, Longsight in Manchester, Oxley in Wolverhampton, Edge Hill in Liverpool and Wembley in London. The contract scope includes daily fleet cleans, periodic heavy cleans (PHCs), exterior hand bashing, biohazard and fatality cleans, turnaround, and on-board cleaning. OCS also supports the Caledonian Sleeper service, delivering daily cleaning, laundry and deep cleans between London and the Scottish Highlands.
Dedicated team and strong leadership
Over 500 OCS colleagues support the Alstom contract, led by Account Director, Angela James, and Head of Operations, Rob DeZilwa. The team is structured with dedicated managers for depot operations, on-board services and quality control, ensuring robust delivery and a clear line of accountability.
Driving improvement and innovation
Since early 2023, OCS has made significant improvements to service standards. Innovations include the introduction of advanced machinery and updated cleaning techniques, as well as a full refresh of onboard team uniforms, enhancing visibility, safety, and team identity. Additionally, OCS provides Alstom with transparent and reliable management information, supporting performance monitoring and continuous improvement.
Service quality, flexibility and cost efficiency
Alstom’s decision to extend the contract was underpinned by OCS’s track record of delivering on its commitments, with service quality and responsiveness. The relationship has strengthened considerably in the past 18 months, with OCS supporting Alstom at additional depots servicing the CrossCountry, Northern and TransPennine Express fleets.
People-centred approach
OCS has prioritised colleague engagement and development. Engagement events across depot and onboard teams have strengthened communication and collaboration, while internal promotions and management apprenticeships reflect a strong commitment to encouraging personal growth and career development. To date, all supervisory and management vacancies on the contract have been filled internally, showcasing the capability and ambition of OCS colleagues.
Meeting complex challenges
Working across one of the UK’s busiest rail corridors, OCS teams operate in demanding environments, often in extreme weather and within tight turnaround times. The team’s ability to adapt and respond has earned recognition from Alstom and its end client, Avanti West Coast.
OCS continues to support its people with a strong focus on health, safety and wellbeing, including a dedicated quality control function and ongoing training to navigate the risks associated with frontline rail cleaning.
Richard Marshall, Sector Managing Director for Transport at OCS UK, said: “I’m absolutely thrilled at Alstom’s decision to extend our services contract for a further 2 years to 2028. Working with Alstom has been a highly valued and productive experience. Their consistent professionalism, technical excellence, and forward-thinking approach have made them a trusted partner throughout our collaboration.
“OCS’s ability to deliver on complex objectives while maintaining clear communication and adaptability has been instrumental in our shared success. We’re pleased to be extending our contract with them and continuing this strong working relationship, confident in the progress we’ll achieve together.”
Gaynor Stewart, Head of Customer Service Delivery at Alstom, said: “We are delighted to extend our partnership with OCS, whose dedication to service excellence and innovation continues to make a real difference across our operations. Their people-centred approach and commitment to continuous improvement reflect the values we hold at Alstom, and we look forward to building on this success together.”
