A North East engineering firm is steaming ahead into its 170th year in business after securing two major rail contracts. Hartlepool-based precision engineering specialist
JJ Hardy & Sons has secured contracts with Eurostar and Transport for London (TfL) for the supply of precision engineered rail carriage components. The contracts will see the company produce over 10,000 components and 100 anti-roll bars, marking another major milestone for the family business.
Since the company was founded in 1856, it has played a key role in shaping Europe’s railways, from producing parts for the earliest steam trains to the London Underground, and with the UK Government committing to a major reform of Britain’s railways, the company is hopeful that this will continue long into the future.
Andy Pailor, JJ Hardy & Sons managing director, said: “Securing these two contracts as we approach our 170th anniversary is a tremendous achievement for everyone associated with the business. It reinforces the trust which some of the world’s leading transport operators place in our team’s expertise and our ability to produce components that can withstand the toughest of environments. It stands us in great stead for the year ahead.
“While we know there will likely be challenges along the way, we are hopeful that the plans being mooted to transform regional and national networks and overhaul rolling stock will provide a major boost to the industry and particularly those small, family-owned businesses in the supply chain like ourselves. It is an exciting time for the company and we are delighted to be going into this landmark year with real momentum — long may it continue.”
JJ Hardy & Sons has also invested a six-figure sum into new, leading-edge machinery and repairing existing kit, which it hopes will not only increase productivity, but also make it more competitive for future contracts.
Mr Pailor said: “One of the things we have always taken great pride in as a business is our commitment to innovation and this investment is a prime example of how we are continuing to break the mould and ensure we stay one step ahead. The investment in a new, super-fast Haas machining centre and improving our existing assets will ensure we stay ahead of the competition, while giving our customers absolute confidence in the quality and repeatability of every component we deliver. It will be key to not only enabling us to take on more ambitious projects next year, but also diversify our offering as we seek to expand into even more markets.”