On Track with VolkerFitzpatrick & Network Rail

Poundfield Precast are delighted to be working in conjunction with the Rail Division of multi-award winning contractors VolkerFitzpatrick to provide improvements to the rail network across London and the South East.

VolkerFitzpatrick are the market leader in delivering rail depots for Network Rail stations across the UK. They initially contacted Poundfield back in March 2011 to enquire as to whether we could provide bespoke PCC units for rail platform extensions, and we were eager to help find a solution.

Knowing VolkerFitzpatrick’s formidable reputation for delivering projects on time and to budget, we were keen to prove ourselves able to rise to the challenge – particularly as the enquiry came soon after we had converted our factory at Creeting solely for the manufacture of bespoke PCC products.

We learnt that, every day, 23.8 million journeys are made across London’s transport network, and that Londoners make 6 times as many rail trips per person than any other people in the country. This means that long-term investment is needed to avoid trains becoming overcrowded, and to cut waiting time on the platform. Platforms therefore need to be lengthened in order to accommodate the new larger trains – and this was where Poundfield came in.

Having successfully secured the contract, Poundfield set about manufacturing all of the new moulds and bespoke PCC units. These included wall units, cill beams and planks for the platform extensions; riser units to face the platforms; and oversail units in which to hold the platform electrics.

In addition, carefully timed night deliveries were scheduled, to minimise disruption to rail users.

To date, we have now supplied or secured work for the following stations across London and the South East railway network: Ashford, Whitton, St Margaret’s, Putney, North Sheen, Effingham, West Hampstead, Twickenham, Staines and Barnes.

Dave Gibson, Contracts Manager at VolkerFitzpatrick, thanked Poundfield’s Commercial Director, Paul Gooch, saying : “Many thanks to you and your team for getting the Putney PCC units complete for the Christmas possessions. Your efforts are greatly appreciated.”