Worksop: Local firm plays big part in £400m rail project

Worksop Galvanizing was brought in by Nottingham-based Briton Fabricators to galvanize more than 600 tonnes of steel as part of the Liverpool to Manchester electrification project, which is set to upgrade around 350km of track across the north of England.

The project saw the plant galvanize over 1,000 steel components for the electric masts as part of the first phase of the project, which will enable electric trains to run on the lines.

The initial phase will see the line between Manchester and Newton-le-Willows completed by December 2013, linking Manchester and Scotland. The upgrade will also significantly reduce travel time for passengers, with journeys from Liverpool to Manchester being decreased to just 30 minutes, with the train speeds being increased to 90 mph.

Paul Robinson, commercial manager at Worksop Galvanizing, said: “We’re delighted to have been part of such a large project, which is set to significantly improve the rail network in the north of the UK. It’s an extremely exciting time for the industry, and as the Liverpool to Manchester line was one of the first in the country it has been chosen to be one of the first lines to undergo the improvement, which will soon be rolled out across the whole country.”