Engineering firm on track for job creation following major rail contract win

NEWCASTLE, UK 30th November2022 – Newcastle-based electromechanical engineering specialist Houghton International has secured a contract with Lucchini Unipart Rail (LUR) worth over £1.3 million. 

The 2½ year contract for traction motor overhaul and repair secures a number of jobs within the business and has sparked further investment in recruitment. 

Chris Robson, Sales Director at Houghton International, commented: “Following a competitive tender process, we are delighted to have been awarded the contract to repair and overhaul traction motors for LUR. 

“As passenger rail technology shifts from DC-powered motors to newer AC ones, this contract represents a milestone as the first volume AC traction motor workload for Houghton International. We are already working closely with LUR to optimise performance for these motors and will continue to do so throughout the contract.” 

In addition to scheduled maintenance and overhauls, the contract also covers additional repairs and rewinds as required. Houghton International has supported LUR with a data gathering process, carrying out testing and analysis on a series of the motors to optimise maintenance strategy and inform future overhaul cycles. 

This is the second LUR contract win for Houghton International in recent months, following the award of a contract worth over £0.5 million in early 2022, further strengthening the working relationship between the two businesses. 

Chris Robson added: “Not only have these contract wins secured a number of jobs within the business, they have also provided the confidence to invest in job creation. We are currently recruiting for a number of roles and would also welcome speculative applications from anyone who feels they could make a positive contribution to the business.” 

Houghton International specialises in the repair, maintenance and life extension of electro mechanical assets, servicing a broad range of sectors including utilities and power generation, industrial, manufacturing and rail. Having worked in the rail industry for over 20 years, the business has delivered volume contracts for many key players in the rail industry. 

Founded in 1984, Houghton International has expanded over the last 38 years into a multi-million pound, multinational business. The company has grown from originally serving one customer to now working with over 200 customers in the UK and around the world.