6 | UK Transport Awards 2023 Feb23306 Best Train Detection & Warning Systems Manufacturer - Europe The UK’s rail network is one of the oldest in the world, but modern times call for modern solutions. Leading the way forward are specialists in the field such as Schweizer Electronic Ltd. With a new outlet focused exclusively on developing train detection and warning systems for the UK market, the team have achieved stunning success in the UK Transport Awards 2023. We take a closer look to find out more. With enormous heritage at the heart of how it operates, the UK rail network has long prided itself on its adaptability and reactiveness to any challenges that might arise. Incidents are dealt with swiftly, with new procedures built in to ensure any repeats are unlikely to occur. The counter argument, unfortunately, is that planning to move this Victorian system into the 21st Century can be lacking. Over the last few years, these much-needed improvements have finally found traction, with Schweizer Electronic at the forefront of this development. The Swiss-based Schweizer family have been developing and manufacturing train detection and warning systems for over sixty years. The group’s primary objective has always been to increase safety whilst improving access efficiency, user friendliness and worker productivity. Since entering the UK market in 2005, the team have made great strides as they have worked to supply User Worked Crossings and Track Worker Protection alongside full product training, worksite planning and design. The Schweizer Electronic team have always been equipment manufacturers and suppliers, with an element of support associated with their products. As the market has developed, however, more clients are turning to the company with the hope that they can provide solutions as opposed to purely products. This has opened up exciting new fields for the team to develop into. Naturally, this carries inherent risk and complexity for a longestablished firm, but it has also allowed the team to grow and evolve in a slightly different way to counterpart organisations to meet the unique needs of the UK. As an SME in the rail industry, Schweizer Electronic has had to be adaptable, embracing the shift from the old to the new. The new is what fascinates the team and has to be their priority, with electrified railways, electrified roadways and net zero a looming date in the relatively near future. Where large multinationals will have to pivot their entire working structures, Schweizer Electronic can adjust with greater ease and speed to ensure the ultimate in service at all times. The team’s core business model is built around the basic competencies of high security remote control and radio data transmission systems, along with interactive diagnostic systems for use wherever safety and efficiency are important. All of the operating procedures at Schweizer Electronic has governed and certified in accordance with ISO 9001:2015 and CENELEC EN 50126 to guarantee quality that ensures passengers and workforce are always safe. An example of the team’s work over the last few years can be seen in the swift way in which they were able to adapt to cover a loophole which has been found by a major infrastructure client. With the potential for exploitation far too great, the Schweizer Electronic team went to work. Using their own processes and systems as a base, the team used existing technology and created a solution which would cover the offending error. It has been adopted at large by the rail industry, and has also built in technological solutions which will allow for the expansion of capacity and capability whilst maintaining the ethos of safety on the tracks. In 2020, Schweizer Electronic had a business built on the knowledge and expertise of two people, operating out of a small, old warehouse/industrial space. Although this was fit for purpose, it was not the sleek operation that was required of the team. There was also no room for expansion of the firm’s deliverables, including design, training and support. In October 2020, a new location for the firm was found which would allow the team to operate from a warehouse and office facility. It is something the team are proud of, purpose designed not only for growth but to suit the changing need of the UK rail industry. The workforce has trebled over the last three years, with six employees giving immense flexibility in design, training and allowing the team to set a benchmark in the wider business group that other subsidiaries are now following. Each member of staff adds something unique to the table, not only bringing a visionary skillset but an ambition and character that drives the team as a whole forward. Finding the right people to fill roles in an expanding market is not always straightforward, but the development of Schweizer Electronic has seen the business become industry experts. The changing nature of the rail industry has meant that Schweizer Electronic has become a firm which is always looking to the future. A new product launch in the supervision sector of the firm provides a warning system that incorporates the most up to date train and axle detection available. Nine months of development has managed to place industry leading technology into a single cabinet, constantly monitoring train movements across the specified work area and when in operation, the Overwatch system allows track workers to safely access the work area and operate safely with fully automatic warnings issued and cancelled by the system. Drawing on the expertise of the global business, the team’s work is a natural step up from the mobile systems that have been in use for the last fifty years in various guises, as well as providing a natural step between mobile units and signal controlled systems operated in Europe. Already, the Schweizer Electronic sister companies have seen the potential and there are already discussions around implementing Overwatch in Italy, France, Spain, Germany and Austria. The team are also looking at releasing upgraded crossing systems that incorporate axle counting, providing a safe way to cross tracks for the public. Railways are an essential part of how the UK’s industry works, and it’s truly gratifying to see that some investment has been made in how it operates. We celebrate the success of the Schweizer Electronic team and look forward to seeing how their work continues to guide this important sector forward in the weeks and months to come. Company: Schweizer Electronic Ltd Name: Neil Bradbury Email: neil.bradbury@schweizer-electronic.com Web Address: http://www.schweizer-electronic.com/
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