Lloyds British sets UK manufacturing landmark

10 June 2015

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Lloyds Somers, the manufacturing division of Birmingham’s national lifting equipment specialist Lloyds British, has set a rail industry milestone.

The company has designed, manufactured and supplied an 80 tonne, 23 metre rail vehicle turntable, as well as a bogie test turntable, for Hitachi Rail Europe's new train manufacturing facility in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham.

According to Lloyds, it is the first time in 50 years that such a large piece of bespoke rail equipment has been constructed in the UK, with consultancy and development being handled at Lloyds British's West Midlands-based design headquarters in Wednesbury, and manufacture taking place at the organisation's Swansea facility.

Lloyds Somers director Steve Reece, explained: "To be the first UK company in 50 years to be entrusted with crafting and supplying such an enormous piece of bespoke equipment is indeed an accolade. It's fantastic to see the UK recognised for its unrivalled design and manufacturing skills, particularly within an industry as high profile as rail.

"Key to our success was the fact that Lloyds British has all the skills to complete such a project under one corporate roof, from the consultancy and the design, right through to the manufacture and installation. This meant that a crucial structural component was able to meet exacting demands and be delivered on time, and on budget."