Welcome to Technology & Developments

GrantRail are at the forefront of transferring World and European rail infrastructure methodology and products into the UK and Irish markets.

Our promotion of technological innovation continues to play a key role as our business grows and diversifies to cover all aspects of infrastructure supply.

Since the formation of GrantRail in 1996, GrantRail has sought and implemented innovative practices across all areas of its business — from its commercial dealings to the management of projects.

Examples of how GrantRail is leading the way:

• GrantRail was the first and only new railway infrastructure company to be granted a Railway Safety Case and train operator´s licence — enabling it to operate rail repair vehicles on UK railways.
• GrantRail was the first company to invest in advanced Matisa tampers — and to procure them on the basis of guaranteed reliability. The tampers are contracted to provide a minimum 98 per cent reliability — ensuring GrantRail and its customers get real value for money.
• GrantRail brought the first Kirow crane to the UK for heavy lifting work on railways. The Kirow crane technology was already proven on the continent and GrantRail ensured the crane was adapted to suit UK conditions.
• GrantRail is the only railway contracting company that employs driver, operator, maintainer plant operators. The ‘ownership´ of plant by named individuals offers a range of benefits to customers including improved efficiencies, availability and safety guarantees.
• In the world of tenders and contracting with customers, GrantRail led the way with collaborative, non-adversarial practices and pioneered the use of ‘open book target price´ contracts.
• GrantRail is investing in innovative products — such as the rail coatings offered by its joint venture company ALH Rail Coatings Ltd. The pre-coated rails system offers excellent electrical insulation as well as reduced noise and vibration. Complementary products such as the new booted rail polymeric covering ensures we are able to provide a complete range of rail covering solutions.
• GrantRail is investing in innovative engineering methods — such as the track renewal programme for Cleveland Potash Mine near Whitby where GrantRail´s round-the-clock working reduced the programme time by more than a third. GrantRail is investing in new technology — for instance, its tamper machines have the latest on-train monitoring and recording equipment as well as train protection warning systems for enhanced safety.

For further details on our latest developments please click on the relevant subpages.