UK: Birley Manufacturing has supplied a batch of coach underframe skirts to First Great Western under a contract worth almost £300 000. The Sheffield-based company says it is hopeful that further orders will follow in 2013.
The fabricated aluminium structures are fitted to the underside of MkIII coaches to protect sensitive equipment such as battery boxes from flying debris.
Birley first supplied skirts for the Great Western fleet in the 1990s, delivering approximately 400 units. Some of these are now in need of replacement.
The award of the contract 'signifies that Birley continues to have the expertise and capability to meet the exacting industry standards', said Commercial Manager Tony Beckett.
