There are just a few weeks to go now until Railtex 2017, the UK’s leading exhibition of railway technology and services, opens its doors to visitors at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham. The event takes place from 9-11 May and will bring together firms representing all sectors of the industry’s diverse supply chain.
Rail in the UK is benefiting from unprecedented levels of investment. This was underlined in February when enabling legislation for the HS2 high-speed line between London and the West Midlands received Royal Assent, the last stage in the parliamentary process. This is creating a buoyant mood in the supply industry. By early April, more than 460 companies had confirmed their participation in the show.
Composite materials are playing an increasingly prominent role in the industry thanks to their light weight, durability and fire performance qualities. This is especially true in the infrastructure sector, where companies such as Access Design & Engineering will present its GRP walkways for maintenance depots and trackside installations, while John Bell Pipeline (CORE-6 Composites) (JBP) will feature GRP access systems and station fittings.
Dura Composites specialises in applications of composites to cladding, flooring and structures as an alternative to wood steel and concrete, and Cubis Systems will showcase access chambers and ducting systems for telecoms, drainage, signalling and power distribution. Also exhibiting will be iLECSYS, which is pioneering the integration of earth-free power supplies and composite structures in Britain’s rail infrastructure.
For rolling stock, vehicle interior components in composites are among the products to be offered by German firm Lakowa, while US-based Milwaukee Composites will highlight its capabilities as a leading supplier of phenolic composite floors for mass transit vehicles. Also taking part in the show will be Creative Composites, which already has a wealth of experience in the automotive sector.
Busy supporting programme
The strong programme of supporting events taking place as part of Railtex 2017 is now largely finalised. With contributions from high-ranking figures shaping the future of Britain’s rail network, there will be no fewer than seven keynote speeches over the three days of the show.
On the first day, as well as formally opening Railtex, Rail Minister Paul Maynard MP will deliver a keynote address in the Seminar Theatre. The keynote speech here on the second day will be delivered by Dr Francis Paonessa, Network Rail’s Managing Director Infrastructure Projects, and on the third day the keynote speaker will be Professor Andrew McNaughton, Technical Director at High Speed Two.
At the Knowledge Hub, also in the exhibition hall, there will be keynote addresses by Paul Plummer, CEO of the Rail Delivery Group, Gordon Wakeford, Chair of the Rail Supply Group and representing the Midlands Engine regional growth initiative, David Waboso, managing director, Digital Railway at Network Rail, and Michael Hurn, director and HS2 Phase 1 Sponsor at the Department for Transport.
There will also be more than 30 technical seminars, project briefings, industry updates and discussion forums. All will be open to everyone attending the event. A check on the latest programme details via the show website is recommended to help plan a successful visit.
