Giles Watling, MP for Clacton-on-Sea, has said that composite materials could ‘revolutionise’ the rail industry, on a visit to a company in his constituency, Dura Composites. The visit was part of the Railway Industry Association’s (RIA) Rail Fellowship Programme, where MPs visit rail suppliers to find out more about the rail industry. MPs experience a day on-site finding out about the importance of the UK rail supply sector, the people who work in it and the innovative products and services it provides.
Composite materials include high-strength, low-weight glass reinforced polymer (GRP) which are durable, non-conductive and non-corrosive as well as being lighter-in-weight and having the ability to reach new fire standards. Dura Composites has used these materials to construct station platforms, flooring, handrails, trackside walkways, pedestrian footbridges and bridge walkways. Critically, the use of composite materials ensures that refurbishment works can be completed quicker resulting in less passenger disruption.
Giles Watling, MP for Clacton-on-Sea, said: “It was fantastic to tour Dura Composites’ site today and see how they are developing innovative products for a range of industries. In particular, the rail industry and its customers could hugely benefit from the widespread use of composite materials. It’s brilliant to see these innovations are taking place in the rail sector – and are having a real impact on passengers. I’m proud that we have such a world-leading company right here in Clacton.”