Major savings will be achieved following the award of contracts for the operation and servicing of Network Rail’s fleet of 18 Stoneblowers across the country. The companies have been chosen from a tough and competitive field.
Stoneblowers are extremely effective pieces of machinery that maintain the correct alignment of the track. They are an important part of the maintenance regime. They help to deliver a smooth, safe and comfortable journey for passengers.
The two-year fixed price contracts will concentrate specialist expertise amongst a smaller number of suppliers and will deliver cost reductions averaging 24%.
Richard Fenny, Maintenance Director, said: “The award of these contracts is another step in keeping costs under control and making the most of our assets. Network Rail continues to deliver efficiencies whilst providing a more reliable infrastructure and better train performance.”
The annual values of the contracts are as follows:
Contractor |
Territory |
Number of Stoneblowers |
Value per annum |
Amey |
Western and London North Western |
8 machines |
£2.9m |
Balfour Beatty |
South East |
5 machines |
£1.8m |
Fastline |
London North Eastern |
4 machines |
£1.6m |
To be awarded |
Scotland |
To be awarded |
To be awarded |
Notes to Editors
1. The majority of contracts commence on 25 June 2006
2. The Stoneblowers are owned by Network Rail
3. Network Rail is the 'not for dividend' owner and operator of Britain's railway infrastructure, which includes the tracks, signals, tunnels, bridges, viaducts, level crossings and stations – the largest of which we also manage
4. We are working to rebuild Britain’s railway and provide a safe, reliable and efficient rail infrastructure for freight and passenger trains to use
Media contact: 020 7557 829
