Permanent Way contractor, Haigh Rail, has secured a prestigious contract with partner Siemens Rail Automation at Birmingham New Street.

The contract, which commenced this month, cements Haigh Rail’s position as one of Siemens’ preferred contractors for track installation works.

Haigh Rail, which is a solutions-based rail business offering the design, co-ordination, staging, planning, implementation and handback of multi-faceted track projects, secured the works based on its ability to engineer not only the safest, but also the most cost efficient outcome.

The work scope includes:

• 140 Hollow bearer installations
• 8 IBJ installations
• UTX Track support
• Critical Rail Temperature monitoring
• Temporary speed restriction implementation
• Track surveys
• Point condition surveys

Haigh Rail’s Managing Director, Chris Haigh, stated: “We are delighted to have secured this prestigious contract. Siemens has been part of an amazing transformation of Birmingham’s railway hub and we are proud to play our part in constructing railways of the future. We look forward to continuation of our long-term relationship with the Siemens team.”

Haigh Rail’s Assistant Engineer, George Kelly, is continuing his progress through the ranks, by commencing his HNC in Engineering.

The two-year course, which starts in September, is testament to George’s enthusiasm and is part of Haigh Rail’s wider investment plan to train and develop their staff from within for the future.

George, who already holds a first class honours degree in Applied Science, will use this specialist training in engineering design principles and application for construction and the built environment to aid and develop his role. This training will be used as the basis for his continued professional development, a route which the company hopes will ultimately lead to future professional status.

Haigh Rail’s Managing Director, Chris Haigh, congratulated George on his progress to date saying: “Since joining Haigh in 2015, George’s work ethic and professionalism have been fantastic. We are delighted to be supporting George to further his skills and look forward to seeing his future development.”

Haigh Rail’s recruitment drive continues with the appointment of Teri Hodson.

Teri, who has spend much of her career working in the public sector, brings over two decades of professional support to the business and is a great addition to the Haigh Rail team.

Teri said: ‘Having worked in the public sector for many years and being open to change, I look forward to bringing my knowledge and skills into the commercial sector. This is very much a hands-on role, one where I can really make a difference’.

Teri will be focusing on delivering effective procurement management to support the fast growing and diverse activities of the railway infrastructure contractor.

Working alongside Haigh Rail’s Finance Director, Claire Webley, Teri will provide much needed support in purchasing and sales and is a welcome addition to the team at the businesses headquarters in Bamber Bridge.

Commenting on her appointment, Claire Webley said: “We are delighted to have recruited Teri. She comes highly regarded, has great interpersonal abilities and is highly professional – skills that Haigh Rail value incredibly highly.”

Nigel Evans, Conservative MP for the Ribble Valley, and Linda Woollard, Deputy Mayor of South Ribble Borough Council, celebrated the success of Haigh Rail by formally opening its head office in Bamber Bridge on 6th May 2016.

The office in Momentum Place, off Nook Lane, signals the growth and success of the company over the last five years, which are largely attributable to the drive of its managing director, Chris Haigh. This was noted by MP Nigel Evans, who commented: “Haigh Rail is a local success story and I was only too pleased to be invited to the official opening of the new headquarters in Bamber Bridge.

“It is hugely impressive to see Chris Haigh start from zero and create a company with 41 employees in just five short years. This is a fantastic new facility which states the company’s intention to continue its great work in this part of the country, where there are strong transport links.

“New enterprises such as Haigh Rail, which supply a vital engineering provision for Network Rail, as well as a range of private companies, are great for the region. This new office in Ribble Valley offers exciting local employment opportunities, which will be a boost to the local economy. The company should be called Haigh Rail Unlimited!”

With 1,200 square feet of office space and a further 1,700 square feet of storage space, the new headquarters offers ample room for Haigh Rail Ltd. to continue its plans for expansion. Eight members of staff will be based in the office, with a number of hot desks available for employees based elsewhere. The office is also well-equipped and suited for professional client meetings.