FIRST MODE

HYDROGEN LOCOMOTIVE MANUFACTURING

Rapidly establishing a brand-new manufacturing capability for hydrogen-fueled locomotives from scratch. Embedded transformation leadership to accelerate programme launch by 3+ months and enable a £50M green tech programme.

BACK

FIRST MODE

HYDROGEN LOCOMOTIVE MANUFACTURING

THE CHALLENGE

First Mode needed to stand up a brand-new manufacturing capability for building hydrogen-fueled locomotives — from scratch — in a highly compressed timeframe. They faced critical risks around supplier onboarding, team integration, process consistency, and programme governance across global operations.

KEY CHALLENGES

Building manufacturing capability from scratch in compressed timeframe
Complex supplier onboarding across global supply chain
Team integration across UK, US, and Australian operations
Establishing process consistency across multiple locations
Creating effective programme governance for £50M green tech initiative
Managing cross-continent delivery coordination and reporting

SOLUTION

Sans Souci embedded a transformation lead into the project to rapidly establish the foundational frameworks and governance structures needed for successful hydrogen locomotive manufacturing operations.

Designed a scalable programme governance model for manufacturing operations

Created comprehensive RACI, communications, and project execution frameworks

Integrated delivery across global teams spanning UK, US, and Australia

Built reporting rhythms, stand-up templates, and standardized workflows

Established supplier onboarding processes and quality assurance protocols

Implemented cross-continent coordination mechanisms and performance tracking

RESULTS

The embedded transformation approach delivered rapid results, establishing the foundation for successful hydrogen locomotive manufacturing while accelerating programme timelines and improving operational efficiency.

Accelerated programme launch by 3+ months through rapid framework deployment

Reduced onboarding time for new teams by 50% with standardized processes

Improved cross-continent delivery coordination and communication

Enabled visibility and accountability across the £50M green tech programme

Established scalable manufacturing capability for hydrogen locomotive production