CWE, the leading independent supply, maintenance and logistics partner for the rail industry, has signed a three-year contract with Axtone, the global manufacturer of energy absorption technologies for the rail sector, to become its only partner in the UK.
The partnership will see CWE provide overhaul and refurbishment services as well as facilitating the supply of new Axtone buffers to the UK rail industry. The contract adds to CWE’s expertise in this area, as it is also the UK’s independent over hauler of Oleo buffers.
Axtone is a leading manufacturer of multiple solutions for rolling stock, supplying both the passenger and freight markets. The work with CWE will be carried out at its Centre of Excellence for Rail, based at its Crowle plant, which provides customers in the sector with one of the most comprehensive rolling stock refurbishment services in the UK. It is also home to its state-of-the-art buffer cell, which has the capability of working with both hydraulic and mechanical buffers.
Nick Andrew, Managing Director at CWE, said:
“The contract with Axtone really is a game-changer for CWE, and sees us become the only independent company to provide overhaul and refurbishment services for the two biggest buffer manufacturers and suppliers to the UK rail industry.
“It also marks the next step in our ambitious growth plans, which have seen us recently expand our Centre of Excellence for Rail with a new facility in Scunthorpe. This investment means our customers will continue to benefit from faster, leaner and more efficient processes that both meet stringent quality and safety standards and keep their rolling stock on the tracks.”
Paul Eeles, UK & Nordic Account Manager for ITT KONI / Axtone, said:
“We have needed a dedicated UK authorised service facility for many years and the appointment of CWE is a turning point. The quality and standard of the overhauls by CWE for the Axtone products will ensure the fastest possible turnaround and will be more cost-effective, while also ensuring the same OE Axtone standards as if the product had been overhauled in the ITT Axtone facility in Kanczuga.”
CWE’s services include overhaul, refurbishment, machining and fabrication, providing complete lifecycle management of rolling stock from technical design and reverse engineering of key parts, minimising downtime and supporting the decarbonisation of rail.
