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Thursday 1 Dec 2005

MULTI-MILLION POUND CONTRACTS TRANSFORM THE USE OF ON-TRACK PLANT

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National

Big savings and over 50% increase in productivity will be achieved following the award of three-year contracts for the use of on-track plant.  Network Rail today announced six out of the seven multi-million pound deals which will help to maximise the use of these machines on the rail network. Tamping machines make up the bulk of on-track plant and are a vital piece of engineering equipment used to ensure track is in the correct position.  They ensure a smooth, safe and comfortable journey for passengers.  Taking maintenance in-house has enabled Network Rail, for the first time, to take a holistic approach on the use of these vital pieces of kit.  A specialised team of ‘Tamper Planners’ will combine maintenance and renewals needs.  They will ensure the 107 machines are used to maximum capacity, and will look to deliver further efficiency savings and greater productivity over the period of the contract. The new three-year contracts represent a key element of Network Rail’s task of rebuilding Britain’s railway.  They will deliver cost reductions and will see significant improvements in value for money through: ·         consolidation of volumes ·         combining maintenance and renewals planning ·         maximising assets ·         reduction in charges through competitive pricing ·         standardisation across the country ·         better utilisation of equipment ·         reduction in the age of the kit used Deputy Chief Executive Iain Coucher said: “The award of these contracts is a significant step towards our goal of controlling costs and maximising our assets while delivering a safer, more reliable railway infrastructure and better train performance. The huge task of rebuilding our railway is well underway.” New contractor Area Length of contract First year contract Value AMEY Infrastructure Services Ltd London North Western (West Midlands & Chiltern) Western (Thames Valley and West Country) 3 years £7m Fastline Ltd London North Western (Preston, Liverpool & North Wales, Manchester, West Coast South, West Midlands & Chiltern and Major Projects) London North Eastern (Great Northern, North Eastern and East Midlands) 3 years £22m GrantRail Ltd London North Eastern (Great Northern and North Eastern) London North Western (Preston) 3 years £7m SECO Rail Ltd Western (West Country) 3 years £1.8m Balfour Beatty Rail Plant Ltd London North Eastern (East Midlands) South Eastern (West Anglia, Great Eastern, Kent, Wessex and Sussex) 3 years £22m First Engineering Ltd Scotland (East & West) 3 years £5.1m Yet to be awarded Western (Wales & Marches) London North Western (various) 3 years TBC