A new facility to improve the reliability of train services has been officially opened in Holyhead.

The automatic wheel lathe -  built at a cost of £10.5 million - will be used by Transport for Wales (TFW) to repair worn or damaged wheels.

Up until now, all trains in North Wales had to travel south to use the existing lathe at TFW's depot in the Canton area of Cardiff.

The Welsh Government says the new development will allow the entire fleet of trains to be maintained and serviced quicker.

Transport Secretary Ken Skates said: "It’s great to see our new state-of-the-art wheel lathe facility in Holyhead open and ready for business."

"This multi-million-pound investment is the latest milestone in Network North Wales’ vision for a better public transport system."

"Our new facility will operate 7 days a week, significantly reducing the turnaround times for trains to be back up and running and making sure people can get where they’re going with fewer disruptions."

Eight new jobs have been created at the Holyhead depot, where the wheel lathe was completed on time ahead of the busy autumn season, when falling leaves on the lines can lead to problems.

Ryan Williams, TFW engineering director added: "It will help us run more efficiently, further strengthen our in-house maintenance capabilities, and show our dedication to providing a more reliable service across the Wales and Borders network."

"It’s also a key milestone in making operations more efficient across North Wales, highlighting our continued focus on providing top-quality transport services for the region."

The facility was built by construction firm Balfour Beatty.

Operational director Alasdair MacDonald added: "The opening of the Holyhead Wheel Lathe marks a significant milestone not just for Transport for Wales, but for rail infrastructure across North Wales."

"This facility is the first to be delivered under the Welsh Government’s Network North Wales strategy and will play a vital role in maintaining the new fleet of trains."

"We’re proud to have delivered a project that combines technical excellence with long-term operational impact, supporting smoother journeys, reduced delays, and a more resilient rail network for the region."