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Security firm on track for a share of Pounds 5.8bn project [Gloucestershire Echo (England)]
[September 17, 2014]

Security firm on track for a share of Pounds 5.8bn project [Gloucestershire Echo (England)]


(Gloucestershire Echo (England) Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) HITACHI Rail Europe's Pounds 5.8 billion deal to drive the Government's Intercity Express Programme has led it to the door of a Gloucestershire manufacturer. Confidentiality surrounds the finer detail of the contract the Japanese giant has agreed with Johnson Security.



But the business, based north of Cheltenham, has confirmed it is one of the chosen partners in an overall project which will see Hitachi source 72 per cent of its parts and operations from the UK.

Johnson Security, which is based at Toddington, will supply the fuel tanks for the projects. Michael Usen, managing director of Johnson Security Ltd, said: "We are delighted to have signed the contract with Hitachi Rail Europe and look forward to working closely as a trusted supplier in the coming years. "Johnson Security has been running since 1959, originally a family business, it is nowadays and predominantly operating in the security sector, specifically end to end cash movement. "We are one of the few manufacturers in the sector that has retained a full manufacturing capability. "It is possible for the client to witness the design and build process on a single site." The firm is based in custom-built premises on the Orchard Trading Estate with more than 30,000 square feet of production space, divided into line production, service workshops and cell build space, stores, wet paint, powder coating, fabrication and electrical assembly. "To deliver the products that we market, our 130 employees require a variety of skills. These include electronic security software and firmware design, fabrication using Lloyds coded welders. "Our delivery process is controlled by our ISO-certified quality systems and we are recognised by our sector as project managers," added Mr Usen.


"To control the engineering and design process we employ 12 technicians, rapid prototype engineers in all disciplines and a dedicated technical publication department.

"We also excel in the delivery of safe solutions basing our design input criteria on Human Factor Task Analysis." Vince Cable, business secretary, said: "Hitachi's decision to work with suppliers from across the country shows that the UK is advancing as a global leader in rail manufacturing." Johnson Security also carries out commercial vehicle conversions and body repairs for the automotive industry and is a member of the Vehicle Builders and Repairers Association. Its products also include vaults, anti-hostage doors, cash transfer door systems (coin and notes) and ballistic vehicle conversions including steel bodies, reinforced cab doors and reinforced rear doors. It makes automated shutter door protection systems, petrol station entry and cash transfer systems, night safes, drop safes and building transfer hatches for the retail sector.

It is among 30 UK-based suppliers to have been chosen by Hitachi Rail.

The Intercity Express Programme is a Pounds 5.8 billion Government project to replace the ageing InterCity 125 fleet on the East Coast and Great Western main lines with new high-speed trains. Trains destined for the Great Western main line will be introduced in December 2017.

Hitachi is constructing a factory at Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, to build them.

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