Network Rail Infrastructure set up Network Rail (NDS-Plant) Ltd as a subsidiary in November 2011 after buying the rail division of Hydrex Equipment (UK) Ltd from its administrators, KPMG. The purchase, which was approved by the Office for Rail Regulation, included the transfer of employment of all 531 rail division staff and ownership of more than 300 road rail vehicles (RRVs).
Hydrex was the largest provider of RRVs to the rail industry and a key supplier to Network Rail and its contractors. Network Rail stepped in to end uncertainty for Hydrex’s employees, customers and suppliers and provide continuity of business for the supply of heavy plant to the industry.
Network Rail national delivery service director Martin Elwood said: “The purchase of Hydrex’s rail division secured hundreds of jobs and meant Network Rail and its partners could deliver the vast majority of planned maintenance, renewals and enhancements across the rail network over the busy Christmas and New Year period.
“My thanks go to the transferred Hydrex staff and the NDS-Plant management team for their efforts in ensuring this much-needed continuity. Our plan is to continue to deliver high levels of safety and performance while Network Rail seeks a suitable buyer for NDS-Plant.”
Network Rail is consulting directly with NDS-Plant staff, trade unions, customers, contractors and the Office for Rail Regulation regarding the proposed sale, which will be via an open tender process.
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