Tinsley Bridge celebrates first delivery on new multi-million pound rail infrastructure project

The Tinsley Bridge Group is celebrating a business milestone with the shipping of the first products from our new rail division – as part of a contract worth up to £10m.

Tinsley Bridge Rail is one of just three suppliers selected by Network Rail to manufacture a new design of stretcher bar which is being rolled out across the UK network.

The bars keep points in position as a train passes and have been developed to give greater safety, last longer and be easier to fit.

The contract is set to last up to five years and has created several new jobs – eight people work in the new department.

Managing Director Mark Webber, said: “This is the first time we have successfully broken into the rail infrastructure market, but with our proven experience in the high-risk, zero-tolerance environment of truck suspensions, we have the perfect skillset to transfer to the safety critical rail project.”

The contract follows a rigorous process to ensure the safety-critical equipment can be introduced onto the passenger-carrying railway.

Grant Thornton has been employed by the group since 2002 and is currently working with the directors to ensure Tinsley Bridge gets the maximum benefit from capital allowances in relation to its new £5m factory currently being built.

Grant Thornton Director, Peter Edwards, said: “Having worked with Tinsley Bridge Group for 12 years, it’s fantastic to see it embarking on a new and exciting phase in its development. Not only is it making a major investment in its manufacturing facilities in Sheffield, but it is also applying its complex engineering skills to break into a new and potentially high growth sector,”.

Peter continued; “The group has a solid track record of working with world-class companies, but to be one of only three manufacturers in the UK to be chosen by Network Rail is a huge coup.

“This is a great example of a Yorkshire manufacturer diversifying across different industry sectors. It is vital that companies are fleet of foot and apply their existing skills to take advantage of new market opportunities.”

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