Global industrial company Harsco Corporation announced April 13, 2016 that its Harsco Rail track maintenance business has been awarded a multi-year contract in the UK valued at more than $40 million.
The award from Network Rail continues a long-standing contracting service from Harsco Rail that began in 2004, under which Harsco operates and maintains a fleet of precision rail grinders on Network Rail’s behalf. The units re-profile railhead contours for extended rail life and smoother operation, thus reducing fuel consumption, operating costs and noise. Grinding also corrects surface damage that could lead to rail fractures.
The program provides nationwide, 24/7 service, maintaining complex switch and crossing trackwork from the north of Scotland to the south of England. Network Rail is the owner and infrastructure manager of most of the rail network in the UK, currently the fastest-growing rail system in Europe.
Announcing the latest award, Harsco Rail’s Managing Director for the UK, Mark Emmerson said, “Our success in retaining these contracts is a testament to the efforts of our staff involved in delivering a safe and reliable service, evidenced by our excellent performance statistics in these areas.”
Rail grinding is one part of a comprehensive range of services and equipment that Harsco Rail provides to customers worldwide for the maintenance, repair and new construction of railway track.