Siemens Mobility Limited has announced the introduction of a new dedicated manufacturing line for its Sitras ASG25 equipment, the company’s air-insulated 25 kV switchgear for AC traction power supply. Although initially developed in Germany, the system has been substantially re-engineered to meet the needs of the UK and will be manufactured at the company’s plant in Hebburn on Tyneside.
The first UK-manufactured units were built for the first phase of the East Coast Main Line (ECML) Power Supply Upgrade programme, with switchboards also now being supplied for eight sub stations as part of the Bedford-Market Harborough-Corby Midland Main Line scheme. For the largest of these, Siemens Mobility delivered the switchgear in two containerised sections which were combined on site to form the complete unit. Future production will supply equipment for phase two of the ECML upgrade programme as well as other projects across the UK.
Commenting on the manufacturing programme, Shaun Cooper Managing Director of Rail Electrification for Siemens Mobility in the UK said: “This development is another great example of our commitment to localisation, with benefits not only to our customers but also the UK’s wider industry supply chain.”
He continued: “Through continued investment not only in plant and equipment but importantly in training and developing our people, we are able to increase value sustainably over the entire lifecycle, offering products that are developed, designed, manufactured and delivered in the UK, specifically for the UK.”
The Sitras ASG25 air-insulated switchgear is type tested and intended for use in one-phase, and two-phase, AC traction power supply systems. The system can also be supplied as a containerised unit, assembled and tested in the factory and then transported to site ready to be connected to the power distribution system. As a result, the only site requirement is a simple cast foundation on which the container is placed, ready to be connected.
