Keyline Distributes Innovative G-TECH Coper to the Railway Market

Keyline, the UK's largest distributor of civils, drainage and specialist rail materials, has been awarded sole distributor status for the G-Tech Composite Coper. The G-Tech Composite Coper has been widely adopted across the UK Rail Network and is an innovation in advanced rail platform edging technology.

Combining coper and tactile in one, it offers a single structure alternative to the traditional multi-component platform edging solutions. The coper design incorporates a surface mounted tactile housed within the recessed rear section of the coper unit. This product has revolutionised the look, long-term durability and safety of railway platforms since it’s introduction to the market in 2011.

Because of the quality and proven durability of this product, Keyline is confident in providing it for use across the UK railway system. This tried and tested coper unit, the only one to be fully approved by Network Rail, has proved to be popular in the railway construction market, therefore Keyline is delighted to be the sole distributors of such an innovative design.

Since it was first installed the G-Tech Composite Coper product has been continuously refined and adapted to suit the requirements of the rail industry. G-Tech recently won a patent for their unique design due to its quality and endurance, following several years of installation and assessment by Network Rail.

The G-Tech Composite Coper can be fitted to current railway platforms or can be made an integral part of new station projects. Its design eliminates historic problems that adverse weather and long-term wear causes to platform edges, such as frost heave and differential movement.

A new customisation available is a hazard yellow tactile, which serves to add extra definition of the safety area for the visually impaired and replaces the mandatory yellow line. The yellow tactile is UV stable so does not fade in time. A non-fade white line can also be added to order on the platform edge side, which saves on railway maintenance costs in the long-term. The coper unit comes in three sizes but can also be manufactured to bespoke measurements upon request.

The G-Tech Composite Coper is also very easy to install and comes with integral lifting points. It can be installed using a range of methods. G-Tech have developed their own lifting chains and installation machines – such as their Lifting Trolley or Forktruck Swing Lift - which are available to hire or buy directly from Keyline. The Coper can also be installed using standard balance trolleys or mini diggers coupled with G-Tech’s own lifting sets.

Richard Wade, Rail Sector Manager, Keyline, said, “Because the G-Tech Composite Coper is easy to install, as well as being highly robust and cost effective, it truly brings train platform edging technology into the 21st century. We like to partner with innovative companies that provide long-term improvement solutions to support our country’s infrastructure and we are proud to be the sole distributors of the most successful Composite Coper in the UK. We will be showcasing the G-Tech Coper on our stand at Infrarail 2014, this will help to further spread the word about this excellent product.”

Paul Willis, General Manager of G-Tech, said: “Our unique Composite Coper design has helped provide added safety and durability to platforms at many UK train stations. Keyline have been instrumental in helping to get our product introduced to the right people and installed at many of these sites. We are therefore very pleased to have them share our vision and be our sole UK distributor.”