UK: Network Rail has awarded VP plc a contract worth up to £257m for the hire, supply and maintenance of all small plant powered by external means. This includes rail drills, torque wrenches, chainsaws and handheld tamping machines, as well as related consumables such as oil, and repairs and spare parts.
The contract runs for six years from April 1 2020 to March 31 2026, with options to extend to March 31 2028.
Cost savings of £2·5m are forecast, along with reduced delivery times, enhanced service levels, a wear-and-tear damage waiver and Bluetooth tracking of all items to prevent loss and theft.
There are options for Network Rail’s routes to switch from using owned, petrol-operated small plant to more sustainable battery-operated hired items.
VP plc will also create 42 Level 3 NVQ apprenticeships in Construction Civil Engineering: Plant Maintenance over the six years as part of the contract.
