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Ministerial opening for Railtex 2009

Ministerial opening for Railtex 2009

02/03/2009 | Channel: Contracts, Station Development, New Products & Services, Business Improvement, Franchises, Skills & Training, Security, Health & Safety, Freight, Rolling Stock, Infrastructure

Rail Minister Lord Andrew Adonis is to formally open Railtex 2009, which takes place at London’s Earls Court Two from 10 to 12 March. The presence of the recently appointed minister at the show underlines the key role that investment in Britain’s rail network can play in speeding recovery from the current economic downturn.

This will be the ninth Railtex organised by Mack Brooks Exhibitions and it promises again to fulfil its unique role as a showcase for industry-wide technological innovation – not only with the participation of exhibitors covering every sector of the market, but also through the largest-ever programme of supporting activities aimed at adding value for visitors.

Around 350 exhibitors will be taking part in the event, including the majority of UK market’s key suppliers. Among major names exhibiting from the rolling stock sector are Alstom Transport, Bombardier Transportation, Brush Traction, GE Transportation, Hitachi Europe, Knorr-Bremse Rail Systems, Lucchini UK,
MTU Friedrichshafen and Voith Turbo.

Vehicle maintenance technology and services will have a high profile at the show, with foreign suppliers like BBM from Italy and Dano Rail from Spain joining domestic firms including LH Group Services, Smith Bros & Webb and Wettons.

Innovations in signalling and communications technology will be a major aspect of Railtex, with Ansaldo STS UK, Telent, Thales Group and Westinghouse Rail Systems featuring in the list of participants.

And because the exhibition covers the entire rail industry, leading suppliers of infrastructure products and services also feature in the list of exhibitors. Corus, GrantRail and Pandrol are just a few of the key companies from this sector taking part, together with track maintenance plant suppliers like R Bance & Co and Geismar (UK). Also present will be manufacturers of trackside fittings such as enclosures, cable conduits and signal gantries and suppliers of station equipment such as Macemain + Amstad.

Other key sectors covered by exhibitors include cable technology, manpower provision, passenger information systems, power supply, recruitment and training, tools, vehicle components and subsystems, vehicle maintenance – and many more. Railway Strategies will also be at the show. Be sure to visit us on Stand 701.

Nor is Railtex confimed to UK companies. Highlighting the event’s continuing international appeal, by the end of January firms from 14 countries had confirmed their participation, including group stands from France and the German state of Saxony and suppliers from as far afield as Canada and Japan. For the very latest list of exhibitors go to the show website at www.railtex.co.uk

Now well established in the industry’s calendar, Railtex is again benefiting from the participation and support of many of its leading organisations, with most of these taking a stand. They include the Department for Transport, Network Rail, Transport for London subsidiary Crossrail and the Railway Industry Association, all using the event as an opportunity to communicate their roles in developing and equipping Britain’s main line and urban rail networks. Also providing support are the Institution of Railway Signal Engineers, the Permanent Way Institution and the Rail Freight Group.

Among innovations at this year’s exhibition will be sections of track in the main hall at Earls Court Two, forming an authentic setting for rail-mounted equipment and on-track demonstrations. This feature was first introduced with great success at Railtex’s sister event Infrarail 2008 in Birmingham and was equally well received by both exhibitors and visitors. This feature is being arranged in association with rail supplier Corus.

To further develop Railtex as an interactive, live marketing event, organisers Mack Brooks Exhibitions are working with partner organisations to stage activities aimed at enhancing the value of the show to visitors by providing insights into the latest technologies and future market trends. These include a programme of drop-in seminars in the exhibition hall arranged by the rail engineer magazine. To see the full programme for ‘The Rail Engineer Seminars at Railtex 2009’ visit www.therailengineer.com

In addition, a separate programme of presentations by exhibitors is being devised by Mack Brooks. Also accessible to show visitors free of charge, these are detailed on the Railtex website. Other features of Railtex 2009 include a two-day high-level conference organised by Railway Gazette International magazine, Meet the Buyer sessions sponsored by UK Trade & Investment and the Railway Industry Association for UK exporters and the now traditional networking reception on the opening day. This social get-together provides a further opportunity for making new contacts and renewing existing acquaintances. Again, full details can be found on the Railtex website.

The last Railtex, held at ExCel in London’s Docklands in February 2007, drew an ABC-audited figure of 9214 industry professionals from 49 countries. While most of those attending were from the UK – the majority of manager level or above, a high level of attendance by foreign visitors underlines another key role of Railtex – helping to promote the UK’s railway supply industry abroad.

Returning to London for the show was strongly influenced by the scale of rail development under way or planned in the capital.  The impressive list of projects is dominated by the Crossrail and Thameslink schemes, but also ongoing modernisation of the London Underground network, work connected with establishment of the London Overground network and Docklands Light Railway extensions. There are additionally major station redevelopment projects at Euston and King’s Cross stations and at nearby Reading.

The show’s central location in the capital at Earls Court Two is well placed for visitors, with good rail connections by London Underground, London Overground and Southern. The venue offers high levels of on-site facilities, while off-site it is served by the best in accommodation, eating and entertainment that London has to offer. More information on getting to Earls Court Two can be found at: www.eco.co.uk

Access to Railtex 2009 is free for pre-registered visitors but a £15 entrance fee at the door will apply to those not registered. Pre-registration can be made by visiting www.railtex.co.uk and following the simple on-screen instructions.