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A leading galvanizing firm has played its part in a £400 million project to update the world's first twin-track passenger railway.
Worksop Galvanizing, Part of Wedge Group Galvanizing, was called upon by Nottingham-based Briton Fabricators to galvanize more than 600 tonnes of steel as part of the Liverpool to Manchester electrification project, which is set to upgrade around 350km of track across the north of England.
The project saw the plant galvanize over 1000 steel components for the electric masts as part of the first phase of the project, which will enable electric trains to run on the lines. The initial phase will see the line between Manchester and Newton-le-Willows completed by December 2013, linking Manchester and Scotland. The upgrade will also significantly reduce travel time for passengers, with journeys from Liverpool to Manchester being decreased to just 30 minutes, with the lines being increased to 90 mph.
Paul Robinson, Commercial Manager at Worksop Galvanizing, said: "We're delighted to have been part of such a large project, which is set to significantly improve the rail network in the North of the UK. It’s an extremely exciting time for the industry, and as the Liverpool to Manchester line was one of the first in the country it has been chosen to be one of the first lines to undergo the improvement, which will soon be rolled out across the whole country."
Dean Morcom, Commercial Director of Briton Fabricators, explained: "We called upon the services of Worksop Galvanizing because we’d worked with the team before, and knew they provided an excellent, flexible service. The contract, ultimately for Network Rail, required that all steel used in the project was galvanized to ensure its longevity, minimising maintenance to components where future access is difficult or dangerous."
Wedge Group Galvanizing is the largest hot dip galvanizing organisation in the UK with a history dating back over 150 years. With 14 plants strategically placed across the country, the firm offers a truly national galvanizing service.
(CD/MH)
