Leeds lock manufacturer Pickersgill-Kaye has secured a contract worth nearly half a million pounds to supply London Underground with new safety critical equipment, as part of the refurbishment programme for the Metro-Cammell (now Alstom) 1972 rolling stock.
Pickersgill-Kaye, a trading division of ASSA ABLOY the global leader in door opening solutions, will provide the capital’s carriages operating on the Bakerloo line, one of the most important routes on London Underground’s system, with 1,400 emergency alarm-pull handle units.
This is repeat business for Pickersgill-Kaye’s robust passenger emergency equipment, following an original order for the wall-mounted devices from London Underground in 2004 for trains serving the Central, Jubilee and Northern lines.
Passenger safety is paramount for rail operators, who all need reliable warning systems on their trains that will help staff respond quickly to potential emergencies. One of the reasons for choosing Pickersgill-Kaye is the firm’s significant experience in supplying this type of equipment for rapid transit systems around the world, including Axiontech (Canada) for the Toronto Rocket subway cars.
Emergency alarm handles manufactured by Pickersgill-Kaye are electro-mechanical assemblies for locating in the saloon wall panels, and comprise of a red handle, which when pulled actuates a three-pole electrical switch, sending a signal back to the driver. If the driver fails to respond in a set time the train will automatically stop.
All Pickersgill-Kaye’s safety critical systems for the rail industry are manufactured with high quality materials and meet regulatory industry standards and specifications for the safe operation of trains, stations and infrastructure.
Pickersgill-Kaye’s Rail Product Sales Manager, Andy Hewitt, said: “London Underground knew from experience that we supply reliable and robust safety critical equipment for warning staff of an incident or potential emergency. Designed and manufactured in the UK, the devices meet the exacting standards required by rapid transit systems.”
The range of safety equipment supplied by Pickersgill-Kaye includes talkback units for driver/passenger communication, and hidden legends which when illuminated reads 'Driver Aware' and 'Speak to Driver.' The remote PA unit is located in the cab wall panel and consists of a microphone and combined 'Public Address/Press to Talk' button with indicator.
It is to help drive commercially viable opportunities for Pickersgill-Kaye’s emergency override mechanisms, safety critical solutions and locking equipment that the Yorkshire lock maker is being transformed into a rail centre of excellence by owner ASSA ABLOY.
A major programme of refurbishment, including revamping the manufacturing facility, improving the work environment by creating new office space and implementing the latest design and computer technology, is nearing completion as the business looks to build on the success in its target markets by becoming an R&D centre.
Long-term sales in the railmarket has enabled Pickersgill-Kaye not only to manufacture locking systems fit for 21st Century transport systems but also the capability and equipment to support legacy rolling stock on the UK’s rail network.