Rail-Ability Limited
Created: 2008-05-02
Short description:
Based in Stafford, Rail-Ability has operated as a specialist innovator, designer and equipment manufacturer for the rail infrastructure maintenance and renewal service for some 10 years.
Description:
Rail Ability Ltd
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| Right: Left to Right Andy & Rosemary Webb – Rail-ability Ltd Ron Adams – Rail Project Manager, MAS-WM. |
Rail-Ability has operated as a specialist innovator, designer and equipment manufacturer for the rail infrastructure maintenance and renewal service for some 10 years. Rail-Ability based in Stafford, has developed alongside its sister company APWebb Plant Hire Ltd, established for 36 years as an experienced supplier of plant and equipment to the construction and infrastructure industries. Rail-ability has grown its reputation as a “significant specialist supplier” by recognising changing market needs and developing innovative and cost effective solutions.
Manufacturing concerns
Rail-ability, recognising the market requirement for cost effective, rail mounted access equipment, developed the concept for a low cost host 4WD vehicle with high ground clearance and large deck area to receive interchangeable bodies. The concept also recognised that the host vehicle should include rough terrain capability with highway speed allowing efficient and economic delivery to site and eliminating the need for low loader support, in addition to highly manoeuvrable characteristics required to achieve effective access to site.
MAS action
Rail-ability gained assistance from the Rail Improvement Programme. In conjunction with MAS-WM, Rail-Ability drew up the schedule of activities, including a range of specialist support needs to deliver a first prototype vehicle through all test and approval phases and to the customer. Whilst all phases of design and vehicle build were contained in house, expert specialist support was required to take the product through UK, rail industry and EU legislation, standards and regulations; these included PUWER, LOLER, EN280, 1530, CE marking and interoperability, achieving ultimately Verification Board Approval. Suitable industry experts were selected to support the project, following a quotation and assessment process. The providers selected included Lifting Equipment Technology, Powered Access Certification and Interfleet Technology.
Diagnostic
The Market requirements identified by Rail-Ability matched many of the declared rail industry and Network Rail strategic objectives. These included:
- 7 day working i.e. rapid response and turnaround support. The vehicle provides fast delivery to site and deployment onto site.
- Cost improvements against the background of major infrastructure investment; This solution provides both a much reduced capital cost and minimises the operating costs by elimination of low loader transport and rapid turnaround.
Results
The prime vehicle and access platform has been completed, launched as part of an on-site rail industry promotional event and is being promoted through rail industry publications by the Rail-Ability. The initial market feedback has been very positive with customers already expressing an interest in placing orders. Rail-ability are now in the process of developing a range of mountable equipment for the vehicle. Although in they are in the first year of operation demand for the product is expected to be high and they estimate that ongoing orders will significantly increase Rail-Ability annual turnover.
"Rail-Ability is dedicated to finding cost effective and innovative solutions to rail industry, maintenance and renewals concerns and demands. The MAS-WM Rail Business Improvement Programme has assisted with the external costs of EU and UK industry legislation, standards and regulations which are a considerable burden especially when achieving first of type approval"
Andy Webb
Managing Director, Rail-Ability
"The Rail Business Improvement Programme is key to a developing rail industry by supporting SME companies such as Rail-Ability who understand the rail business and its needs, have the desire and capability to innovate and are restricted by cost, time and some specialist support"
Ron Adams
Rail Project Manager, MAS-WM
