A COMPANY which supplies safety-related electro mechanical systems for railways is getting up a head of steam in the USA.

Rowe Hankins, located in Parker Street, is moving into North America.

A partnership agreement with parts supplier Qual-Tran of Blue Bell, Pennsylvania, will make Rowe Hankins speed probes and sensors available as a retrofit on existing rolling stock and to OEM’s (original equipment manufacturers) for use in new programmes.

Rowe Hankins’ products are already in use and well proven in North America. Speed probes from the company, supplied as original equipment to international rolling stock majors, are in use from coast to coast in transit systems in New York, Washington, Los Angeles and elsewhere.

Speed probes and sensors provide vital axle-by-axle speed data. This data is fed into the control system to ensure that trains accelerate and decelerate more efficiently.

More effective speed control also reduces wear to wheel sets and tracks by the reduction of slippage and drag.

Qual-Tran already supplies train operators with a comprehensive range of electrical and mechanical components and other equipment, together with in-depth technical support.

Rowe Hankins sales director, Mr Mike Hankins said: “We are confident that we have in Qual-Tran a highly competent technical partner, able to provide OEM manufacturers and transit operators with full technical support during every phase of a project from specification and programme support of new equipment build, right through to operation in the field.”

Qual-Tran managing director Brad Levin commented: “The Rowe Hankins products will fit comfortably into our portfolio and extends the range of products, and support services that we can offer our clients.”