South Western Railway appoints Kiepe Electric UK for train refurbishment programme

South Western Railway (SWR) announced today that as part of its £1.2bn investment plans, it has signed a £multi-million contract with Kiepe Electric UK Ltd to refurbish its 18 incoming Class 442 trains.

The enhancement programme includes full interior refurbishment; customer improvements to include real-time information systems and at seat power points; and performance enhancements to include new traction equipment and regenerative braking systems.

The train enhancement programme is part of South Western Railway’s £1.2bn investment plan to transform the customer experience during its tenure. The plan includes the introduction of new and as-new train fleets to increase capacity; longer, more frequent trains; quicker journey times and better connectivity; station improvements and a better ticket buying experience. It will also work to support the communities it serves, support regional economic growth and improve its social and environmental responsibility.

Neil Drury, SWR Engineering Director said: “We are delighted to have appointed Kiepe Electric to carry out the refurbishment and retraction of our incoming fleet of Class 442 trains. They have an excellent track record in this field and we know that they will produce a high quality product for our customers which will include refurbished interiors, new information systems and improved performance.”

Tim Jenkins, Managing Director Kiepe Electric UK Ltd said: “We are delighted to have been awarded this contract. It is a further testament to Kiepe Electric UK’s, skill, capability and flexible approach in supporting customers to improve their rolling stock through delivering complex turnkey projects”.

The Class 442 trains will operate on fast journeys on the London to Portsmouth route via Guildford, Haselmere and Petersfield from December 2018, with standard class passengers benefiting from more spacious 2+2 seating.

The trains will have refurbished interiors including quality Axminster carpets, at seat power for mobile devices and real-time information displays. Additional benefits for First Class customers include new leather seats and new tables incorporating innovative inductive charging.

Work will be undertaken at Eastleigh with investment being made in local facilities as well as procurement from Axminster Carpets, located on the South Western network.

The Class 442 fleet will be maintained and overhauled at SWT’s depot facility in Bournemouth, safeguarding local jobs and providing further investment in facilities and capabilities within its operation.