05.12.03

Porterbrook Leasing and Queen's Award Winners Arrowvale Electronics of Redditch have signed a multi-million pound deal that will see the supply and fitment of Arrowvale's On Train Data Recorder (OTMR) to 900 of Porterbrook's vehicles.

The fitment programme which will take place between now and 2005 will see Porterbrook's fleet become fully compliant with Railway Group Standard GM/RT2472, "Data Recorders on Trains - Design Requirements."

As well as meeting the needs of Porterbrook's fleet Arrowvale is also supplying OTMR kit for fitment by manufacturers to new build rolling stock.

To celebrate the contract award the 1000th OTMR unit manufactured by Arrowvale is to be fitted to Porterbrook owned vehicle 64004 (part of unit 323204) which is currently in service with Central Trains. The fitment which will take place on Friday 5th December will be undertaken by Maintrain Ltd who are contracted to fit OTMR units to a number of fleets.

Alex White, Porterbrook's Operations Director said

"The data recorder modifications being undertaken across the Porterbrook fleet will assist in enhancing safety in the industry. Porterbrook are pleased to be working with Arrowvale on this project and look forward to their bringing it to a successful conclusion by December 2005."

Central Trains Operations Director, Peter Cushing added:

"I am delighted to witness the fitting of the 1000th OTMR unit. It will provide us with valuable train data, particularly valuable for incident and safety management. It is a vital step in keeping our vehicle fleet up to the latest operational standards"

"This is a vital and important program being undertaken and all companies are working closely together to enable efficient installation of the recorders into the vehicles."

Gary Stokes, Maintrain's Service Delivery Director adds

" We are delighted to be working with both Porterbrook and Arrowvale, fitting On Train Data Recorders to a number of their fleets and are privileged to be fitting the 1000th OTMR unit at our Soho depot."

Notes to Editors
Porterbrook Leasing Company Limited ("Porterbrook") is a leading player in the rail leasing market.

Porterbrook has a rolling stock fleet of over 5,500 vehicles on lease or on order, which includes about 4,000 passenger vehicles. These are supplied under operating leases to 18 of the 25 Train Operating Companies (TOCs) within the UK. The company also provides ongoing train maintenance services.

Porterbrook has been highly successful in winning new train orders since privatisation, with over £1.5 billion in new business won - investing in over 1,500 new passenger vehicles and over 1,100 new freight locomotives and wagons, and in the refurbishment of much of its in-fleet equipment.

In April 2000 the Porterbrook group of companies was acquired by Abbey National.

Arrowvale Electronics in Redditch (Arrowvale) is the UK's No 1 Supplier of OTMR's to the major rail service providers in UK and overseas.
Arrowvale designed and built all Juniper and Coradia Cab Areas, which included the desks and control equipment

Arrowvale designed and built CCTV systems for the ADtranz Strasbourg

Tram Contract
Arrowvale are a major player in the rail industry
Arrowvale's sister company AVE Rail Products (based in Derby) is the UK's leading rail interior supplier

For further information about Arrowvale contact Steve Beard, Sales Manager on 01527 514151 (e-mail steve.beard@arrowvale.co.uk)

For further information about Porterbrook contact Rupert Brennan Brown, Head of Communications on 01332 263251 (m: 07799 337052)