According to Gripple, overhead line equipment (OLE) installations can be completely streamlined by using the fail-safe and tool-free Gripple Rail Dropper. Fully conductive catenary droppers can be installed up to eight times faster than traditional rail cable droppers, rapidly increasing the speed and efficiency of both installation and repair, the firm noted.
Significant cost savings will be achieved because of a reduction in equipment and facilities hire, Gripple added, which also reduces carbon emissions, labor costs and overall possession time and costs. In addition, material waste is avoided as drop lengths can be pre-set to suit site conditions.
The new Rail Dropper will be the first product in the new Gripple SwiftLine range of OLE solutions, designed by Gripple for fast, safe, and efficient installation of overhead catenary lines.
Unipart Rail and Gripple have signed a collaboration agreement, positioning Unipart Rail as the exclusive distribution partner for the Gripple Rail Dropper in the UK.
By working in collaboration with Unipart Rail and utilizing its position as the performance improvement partner for the global rail industry, Gripple will apply the same technology and engineering expertise which has allowed it to transform the building services suspension market, to OLE systems.
The launch of the Gripple Rail Dropper and the partnership with Unipart Rail is the first major step in Gripple’s diversification into the rail industry and is the first solution in its rail product portfolio. The official product launch will take place in September.
Nicola Kissaglis, Unipart Rail, head of product and infrastructure, said, “Unipart Rail is at the forefront of innovation, and we collaborate closely with the rail industry to understand the challenges faced by our customers, supporting them with products and services which deliver added value, reduced cost, carbon reduction, increased passenger enjoyment, increased safety and reliability, and improved efficiencies.
“The Gripple Rail Dropper is at the heart of these principles and perfectly complements our strategy for innovation by engaging with businesses outside of the industry to introduce new products into the rail sector,” Kissaglis added.
Harvey Hancock, Gripple, product manager – rail and utilities, said, “Following years in development we are delighted that our revolutionary new Gripple Rail Dropper has now received product approval from Network Rail.
“There is already a lot of excitement from the industry about this product and its potential to speed up electrification rollout across the UK, as well as helping contractors to do more in each possession window.”