Sheffield specialist engineering firm signs five year service deal with Hitachi Rail Europe

Street CraneXpress (SCX), the Sheffield-based specalist engineering firm, has signed a new five-year maintenance contract with Hitachi Rail.

The company is now contracted to service and repair overhead cranes and handling equipment at Hitachi’s rail vehicle manufacturing facility near Darlington.

Hitachi Rail has invested more than £80m in its new plant at Newton Aycliffe, creating hundreds of skilled engineering and operations jobs.

The plant is building the next generation of intercity express trains, a project led by the Department for Transport.

Chris Evans, Hitachi Rail maintenance and facilities manager, said: “After reviewing our options for lifting facilities, we agreed that the best choice was to outsource to Street CraneXpress.

“Its expertise in delivering preventative maintenance services, combined with in-depth knowledge of the crane hardware, created a compelling business case.

“It also fits with our ethos to encourage British engineering, not only in employing local talent, but also in how we build our business partnerships.”

The new deal with Hitachi Rail Europe follows similar contracts that SCX has signed with JCB and Toyota.

Duncan Randall, SCX sales manager, added: “We’re very proud to have been awarded this contract. The new facility in Newton Aycliffe is simply outstanding, and it’s been a genuine pleasure to see it develop over the past year.

“This agreement will give Hitachi Rail the dual benefit of lower repair bills and significantly reduced production downtime. We look forward to a productive and co-operative relationship and to contribute to their success.”

Street CraneXpress supplies a range of precision lifting equipment, installation services, planned maintenance contracts, spare parts and training to businesses across the UK.