Joining forces for rail project
TWO well established businesses are giving the nation’s rail sector a much-needed boost by collaborating with a third-party distributor on a project for a new fleet of rail haulage locomotives.
Burton-based Clayton Equipment is taking supply of JCB Power Systems’ manufactured ECOMAX 55kw IPU Stage V engines from Power Torque Engineering to apply in the build.
Clayton Equipment, currently in its 90th year, is the only British independent locomotive manufacturer in the UK capable of designing and manufacturing locomotives up to 150 tonnes, is contracted to supply Beacon Rail with 15 innovative Hybrid +TM CBD90 locomotives over the next three years.
Power Torque based in Coventry, a UK family-owned modern company with a proud 100 year history, is a major player in the supply of industrial and automotive engines and components, supplying Clayton with the JCB ECOMAX engines and will also provide technical support from their engineers.
JCB Power Systems is part of the JCB group, a family business established in 1945.
Today the company is a world leader in the manufacture of construction and agricultural machinery and also in innovative clean diesel engines. As well as powering JCB’S own equipment, JCB engines are designed for a diverse range of other applications in specialist markets.
Each JCB engine unit used by Clayton Equipment is British engineered and manufactured, supported by a worldwide engine distribution network that specialises in engine sales and support, providing a further level of local technical expertise.
The key benefits of adopting the JCB ECOMAX engines in the Beacon Rail locomotives include smaller package size, reduced installation complexity, reduced fuel consumption and routine maintenance free exhaust after treatment meeting the latest emissions legislation.
Clive Hannaford, Clayton Equipment managing director said: “As a British, UK based company using British manufactured parts is key to us and we are often keen to emphasise this to our customers. Building partnerships with businesses such as JCB and Power Torque enables us to retain the UK manufacturing heritage and also access a fast turnaround for production. JCB Power Systems has a history of providing a proven approach to emission control solutions that not only meet legislation requirements but deliver customer value through lower operating costs. In addition, the quality, reliability and performance will provide real benefits to Beacon Rail.”