LOCATION
CLIENT
Acieries et Laminoirs de Rives (ALR)
SECTOR
Railway
PROJECT VALUE
-
SOLUTIONS
Fishplate Supply, Supply Chain Management, Product Innovation
The sudden closure of the UK’s only fishplate supplier was more than a market gap—it was a critical risk to rail infrastructure. The UK rail industry, known for its complex and unique fishplate requirements, faced an urgent need for a solution. European suppliers, while experienced, weren’t equipped to handle the specific demands of the UK market.
HOLDTRADE GROUP recognised the urgency and sought a solution to stabilize the supply chain.
The Partnership
HOLDTRADE GROUP **partnered with Acieries et Laminoirs de Rives (ALR), a French company with a strong track record in manufacturing rolled steel fishplates. This partnership was designed to meet the UK’s specific needs and address the supply gap effectively.
Custom Tooling and Production: ALR committed to creating custom tooling to produce fishplates that met UK specifications. This involved adapting their production processes to align with the unique requirements of the UK rail network.
Tendering and Accreditation: Leveraging our established relationships with Network Rail and London Underground, we guided ALR through the tendering process and helped secure the necessary accreditations for the fishplates. This ensured that the products met industry standards and could be confidently supplied to major infrastructure projects.
Expansion and Innovation: Over time, the partnership expanded beyond the initial supply agreements. HOLDTRADE GROUP and ALR introduced new fishplate designs and innovative products, enhancing the range of solutions available to the rail market.
Supply Chain Development
To ensure reliable supply and address concerns about lead times, we established a UK-based stock of fishplates. Managed and distributed by GB Rail, part of the HOLDTRADE GROUP, this strategic move provided several benefits:
Enhanced Supply Security: By holding stocks within the UK, we ensured a steady supply of fishplates, mitigating potential disruptions and maintaining customer confidence.
Reduced Lead Times: The availability of local stock allowed for quick response to market demands, particularly important for the Contractor and Private railway sectors where timely delivery is critical.
Impact and Future Outlook
The HOLDTRADE GROUP and ALR partnership has successfully addressed the UK rail industry’s supply challenges. The collaboration not only filled the immediate gap but also introduced innovative products and established a robust supply chain. The partnership has strengthened the UK’s rail infrastructure and expanded its market reach.
As the rail industry continues to evolve, Holdtrade (UK) Ltd and ALR remain committed to building on their success. Their ongoing collaboration aims to adapt to the changing needs of the rail sector and continue providing reliable, high-quality solutions.
Discover how HOLDTRADE GROUP can support your rail infrastructure needs with cutting-edge solutions and a reliable supply chain. Speak to one of our experts today.