Roxtec lands Network Rail deal

Bury-based safety seal manufacturer Roxtec has secured a deal to provide its product to Network Rail's £1.7bn railway communications system project.

Network Rail's RCS uses the Global System for Mobile Communications-Railway mobile phone technology, known as GSM-R for short, to enable direct and continuous digital communication between train drivers and signallers across the entire network plus a host of other safety-related features.

Three elements make up the GSM-R system which includes mobile terminals located in driving cabs, fixed terminals in signalling centres, and a network of masts to transmit radio messages between the two.

Roxtec's product, known as a G frame, will be used to seal cables from a range of hazards in the RCS cabinet.

Graham O'Hare, Roxtec's UK managing director, said: "This is a terrific deal for Roxtec as it enables us to combine our experience of both the telecom and rail sectors. We have unrivalled expertise in sealing enclosures, cabinets and shelters.The RCS is one of the biggest projects currently being undertaken in the communications industry and shows our ability to provide innovative product to the latest cutting edge technology. In this case we are helping to ensure critical communication links remain intact."

O'Hare said Roxtec has already started to supply Network Rail with its product and said the RCS project is due to become functional across Britain by 2014.

The introduction of the railway communications system will mean analogue radio systems will be replaced and signal post telephones will not be needed.

O'Hare added that Roxtec is keen to work with mechanical, electrical and instrumentation engineers wanting solutions for sealing cables and pipes at the point they enter a wall, cabinet or structure.

Network Rail's railway communications system is a single communications network, covering every public railway line in Britain along 8,699 miles of track.