The Global Centre of Rail Excellence (GCRE) has agreed a new international partnership with leading rail engineering and consulting firm Xrail.
The memorandum of understanding signed between the two companies will see Xrail provide strategic advice and knowledge about operating in overseas markets to enhance GCRE’s export potential.
The Global Centre of Rail Excellence will be a site for world class rail research, testing and showcasing of rolling stock, infrastructure and cutting edge new technologies. Xrail offers end-to-end engineering solutions and services to a global market, from specialised consulting to turnkey project delivery.
As a 700-hectare site for international quality innovation, the Global Centre of Rail Excellence will be able to support governments, manufacturers and infrastructure operators across Europe and the middle-east with product and technology development; systems integration and net zero transition.
With its expertise and knowledge of overseas markets, Xrail will provide strategic advice and support to the GCRE team.
The two companies signed their new international partnership at Rail Live in Madrid this week.
“Xrail have a global reputation for engineering excellence and breaking into new overseas markets. Their knowledge of Europe and, in particular, the middle-east will give us a unique opportunity to take the GCRE service offer to countries across the world, with important benefits for everyone involved.” Simon Jones – Chief Executive, GCRE Ltd
Global Centre of Rail Excellence Chief Executive, Simon Jones, said: “I’m delighted to agree this strategic partnership with Xrail given the many years of experience and detailed knowledge that they have built up of working successfully in international markets and exporting to countries around the world.
“As a site for high-quality rail research, testing and innovation we believe that GCRE can be of enormous benefit to nations and companies across the world in developing new technologies and managing major projects through the integration testing we will offer.
“Xrail have a global reputation for engineering excellence and breaking into new overseas markets. Their knowledge of Europe and, in particular, the middle-east will give us a unique opportunity to take the GCRE service offer to countries across the world, with important benefits for everyone involved.
“With a world class technology park planned for the GCRE site, many of the companies testing at our facility will have new products and innovations with export potential. Xrail will be able to help us harness those opportunities in partnership with our customers.
“As nations around the world make the transition to net zero and look to develop stronger and more cost-effective rail networks, GCRE offers a platform for international collaboration on how to deliver more effectively for customers. Xrail will be a critical strategic partner in that work.”
Chief Executive of Xrail Munir Patel said: “We’ve been big supporters of the Global Centre of Rail Excellence for a long time now and its fantastic to formalise our work together through this partnership.
“GCRE will add unique value to the rail industry not just in the UK, but internationally. Nowhere in Europe or the middle east will have the high quality innovation infrastructure that the Global Centre of Rail Excellence will offer and with our support we want to ensue that opportunity is extended to markets internationally, supporting GCRE’s growth.
“There is significant commercial demand for what GCRE is offering. It has the potential to break into new global markets and support export growth in rail. We’re excited about this new international partnership and the work we will do together over the coming years.”
