Telford factory bosses celebrate Network Rail contracts
Specialist handrails manufactured at a Telford family run firm could be installed in every railway station in the UK as part of an on-going revamp programme by Network Rail.
Bosses at J&A Stevenson, based on Tweedale Industrial Estate, have won the approval of Network Rail for their bespoke handrails.
Stuart Stevenson, director, said his team had already completed projects for several stations and were currently working on stations in Liverpool, Littleborough and Epsom.
Each station has seen new “warm to touch” handrails installed by the team of engineers from the Telford company after being manufactured at their Tweedale factory.
Mr Stevenson, who runs the firm with his father John and brother Adrian, said it was an on-going project which takes them across the UK.
“We are very proud to be recognised supplier for Network Rail. The current contracts are worth towards half a million pound but this will increase as the number of stations we do increases.
“Our work is part of the on-going refurbishment programme taking place across the UK.
“We are currently completing works at Liverpool, Littleborough and Epsom but the current plan means we will probably be doing a new station every month.
“J&A Stevenson is proud to be supplying such a firm as Network Rail who were impressed by our commitment to supply the full package.
“From the initial order, we design, manufacture, powder coat here at the factory in our latest shot blasting and powder coat plant and finally install.
“This ensures our high standard of products and service is continued from start to finish. We have provided the turnkey solution to Network Rail’s programme.”
The latest Network Rail contract is joined by celebrations after scooping a new contract for works at Heathrow Airport.
Mr Stevenson said it was the second contract they had won at the airport to install Suregrp non-slip flooring at the airport.
The company is the only manufacturer of the specialist flooring Suregrp product as every other company in the UK import it from China and India.
“Our products are being used across the UK with new contracts coming in every day.
“Despite the fact we are meant to be in a recession J & A Stevenson is booming. The increasing amount of work will obviously have a positive impact on the local economy as at some stage in the near future we will have to increase the size of the workforce here,” he said.
The company which was launched in 2000 designs, manufactures and installs DDA compliant platforms and ramps, including supports, framework, balustrades, warm to touch hand rails and enhanced anti-slip flooring.
One of their first contracts was to design a ramp for Shropshire Council which has since led to regular contracts with councils across the UK including schools, hospitals and public buildings.
Mr Stevenson added: “The company has a design office which deals with all enquiries, estimates, design, surveys, technical queries as well as producing full working drawings.
“We also have a fully functional fabrication shop with rolling capabilities for curved handrails and all ramps and staircases are pre-assembled in the workshop to ensure ease of installation.
“While the investment in the shot blasting facility and powder coating plant means we can ensure control of all production procedures.
“This allows us to be in full control of all manufacturing processes from initial site survey through to final installation.”
