Network Rail approval secures new multi-million-pound investment at British Steel

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British Steel will step up production of its Zinoco rails after the ultra-long versions of the product received full approval from Network Rail.

The company is investing a seven figure sum in a new plant that will enable production of the premium coated rail in lengths of up to 108m, and welded lengths of up to 216m.

Zinoco, the name of which derives from the words ‘Zinc for no corrosion’, claims to be a world-first which can withstand the rigours of being laid in some of the most challenging rail environments. Its installation reduces the need for costly and disruptive rail replacement programmes in highly corrosive areas such as coastal lines, wet tunnels, level crossings, mineral lines and salt pans.

Peter Smith, British Steel managing director rail, said: “Zinoco offers superior corrosion protection compared to all current rail coating technologies on the market so we’re delighted Network Rail has given it full product approval up to lengths of 216m.

“We’re the only supplier in the world able to deliver corrosion-protected rail at this long length so this is a great success story, not only for us but for British manufacturing.”

British Steel designed Zinoco in conjunction with Network Rail and initially made deliveries in lengths of 18m before a series of trials were conducted with longer lengths.

The reduced number of welds longer lengths require not only speed up the installation process but give the rails greater integrity. Over the last 18 months longer length rails have been installed in tunnels near Bristol and Fife, culminating in Network Rail granting full product approval.

Work is already underway building the new plant to start production of the ultra-long Zinoco rails in Scunthorpe. It’s anticipated it will be commissioned later in the year.

Mr Smith said: "This investment underlines our commitment to innovation and the highest levels of product quality and service delivery.

“Network Rail, like other operators, was having to replace rail prematurely due to rapid corrosion in isolated segments of a network. We’ve worked closely with them to deliver Zinoco®, a world first and a classic example of British Steel partnering with customers to provide a cost-effective solution to the challenges they face.”

Network Rail said: “This development will facilitate wider usage of coated rails supporting Network Rail in reducing re-railing activity in a number of key challenging locations in the future. This should ultimately support our aims of reducing the whole life cost of rail in these locations.”

British Steel www.britishsteel.co.uk

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British Steel

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