Loram UK, the rolling stock and infrastructure engineering business, welcomed Baggy Shanker MP (Derby South) and Catherine Atkinson MP (Derby North) on a visit to the company’s RTC workshops in Derby.
As well as being vocal champions for the rail supply chain in Derby and the wider East Midlands, both MPs are also members of the House of Commons’ Transport Select Committee.
During their visit, which was hosted by Debbie Francis, Managing Director of Loram, Baggy and Catherine saw work taking place on construction of the first Loram RGX Rail Grinder, designed to meet growing demand for these specialist on-track rail re-profiling machines in markets both at home and abroad. The building of the first RGX in Derby represents significant continued investment in Loram UK by its US parent company, Loram Maintainance of Way.
The two MPs were also able to see how Loram delivers maintenance support to Network Rail’s Infrastructure Monitoring fleet, which is also based in Derby. These instantly recognisable ‘yellow trains’ play a critical role in assuring the day-to-day safety and integrity of Britain’s railway infrastructure.
The tour concluded with an opportunity to see Positive Traction’s 08e battery-powered, zero-emission, shunting locomotive, which is being evaluated by Loram to see if this innovative technology can help reduce operational emissions as part of Loram’s support for NR’s Infrastructure Monitoring fleet as well as other on-site customers.
Catherine Atkinson MP said: “Derby is at the heart of the largest rail cluster in Europe and has a wealth of railway engineering and operational expertise. I am hugely fortunate, as a Derby MP, to be able to see firsthand what pioneering work local companies are undertaking in and around the city.
“During my recent visit to the Railway Technical Centre, I witnessed Loram’s efforts to support Britain’s railway including driving forward truly innovative technology to reduce operational emissions and working towards a greener sector. As we prepare for the arrival of the new Great British Railways HQ in our city, I look forward to working with the government and the rail sector to get passengers, goods, and our economy moving.”
Baggy Shanker MP said: “Rail has been central to our city’s rich heritage, and with Great British Railways establishing its home here in Derby, it will be driving forward our city’s bright future too. Supporting the specialist skills within the rail sector is integral to delivering the high-quality rail infrastructure our country deserves. Visiting Loram’s workshop it was fantastic to see that expertise in action.”
Debbie Francis, MD of Loram UK, said: “I am very grateful to both Baggy and Catherine for taking time out of their very busy schedules to visit Loram and my team. We are very lucky to have such enthusiastic and committed supporters of both the railway, and our city, representing us in Parliament.”