Manufacturer secures major train deals
TransPennine Express and Hull Trains are the latest train companies have signed up to use Leeds-based Pickersgill-Kaye’s safety equipment installed in a new fleet of rolling stock, following in the tracks of LNER (formerly Virgin Trains) and Great Western Railway (GWR).
Significant investments in the UK’s rail infrastructure and the new generation of Intercity trains, connecting London the south west and northern cities to Scotland, is creating increased demand for the lock manufacturer’ products.
The new fleet of 19, five-carriage trains being delivered by Hitachi Rail Europe for TransPennine Express, are scheduled to enter service in 2019 protected by Pickersgill-Kaye’s Emergency Egress Devices (EED) and Emergency Access Devices (EAD).
Meanwhile, Hull Trains will be replacing its current fleet with new hi-tech Hitachi trains, operating on both diesel and electric traction – giving customers access to the benefits of the East Coast Main Line’s electrified track. These five, five-carriage trains will also be protected by the rail component manufacturer’s passenger emergency units.
Pickersgill-Kaye’s EED and EAD systems feature a handle which when pulled activates an electric switch that alerts the driver but prevents the door being opened while the vehicles are moving. If after a set time the driver fails to respond, the train will automatically stop.
Pickersgill-Kaye has also won the contract to fit the new trains with the cab door locks for securing the driver’s compartment.
Recent repeat business for the manufacturer includes London Underground, replacing original emergency units supplied by the company years ago for the Metro-Cammell (now Alstom) 1972 rolling stock.
Andy Hewitt, rail products sales manager at Pickersgill-Kaye, said: “We’re delighted to be playing our part in helping to modernise Britain’s railways. Our safety and locking solutions stand the test of time which is why train companies come back to us. They know our quality-engineered products are designed to last at least the operating life-cycle of the fleet.”
