30
PLANT & EQUIPMENT
GRAEME BICKERDIKE
MOVING ON
I
t’s an inescapable reality that life is unpredictable; generally, though, its ups and downs impact uniquely on each individual. Yes, recessions hit periodically and make their presence felt broadly, but it’s many decades since an event caused the world to stop turning in the way coronavirus has, prompting a mass retreat into our homes. I recently took my first train since lockdown - an evening peak service out of Leeds on the TransPennine main line. Conventionally, I’d have to jemmy myself into the vestibule and cower beneath the armpit of a stranger as far as Huddersfield. Not this time though. In a carriage offering 88 seats, there were seven of us. Second wave or not, one thing’s for certain - uncertainty will be with us until an alternative normality can establish itself. But how do you plan and resource? How do you remain efficient? How do you service the needs of a client who doesn’t know what their needs might be? These are amongst the challenges that will face the rail supply chain as, and when, Covid-19 loosens its grip.
Into the unknown There must have been a temptation for Total Rail Solutions (TRS) to just hunker down and wait for the storm to pass. The company is known, historically, as a road-rail plant provider, with upwards of a hundred machines; now, though, it’s becoming increasingly visible for its contracting services and labour provision, with a workforce exceeding 300 in total.
TRS changed hands in 2018 and, under new management, has undergone a reprofiling from a successful ‘family business’ to something sitting very comfortably within the professionalised rail market. There’s been a determined effort to heighten brand awareness and introduce systems that deliver management and operational improvements. The hiatus of lockdown was used as an opportunity to relocate to new premises at Greenham, near Newbury, served by the M4 and located perfectly for works along the Great Western main line corridor. A few years ago, the route’s electrification programme proved transformational for the company and it continues to build on the financial and reputational benefits that brought. The main building accommodates core operations and administrative staff whilst
a nearby yard and workshop is home to the engineering team. The site offers improved logistics over TRS’ previous base at Basingstoke. “It’s a really good showcase for the business,” asserts Paul Bateman, the firm’s chief executive officer. “We plan on hosting a number of client engagement events here when circumstances allow.”
Spreading wings Whilst the company is a national player with a go-anywhere attitude, any map showed it to have a presence only in southern England, with a satellite depot at Cwmbran. This had the potential to impact on perceptions. “So, it was a strategic move for us to put something in the North”, says Paul, who
I
Rail Engineer | Issue 186 | September/October 2020
