A cluster of forward-thinking Scottish companies have joined forces to offer railway operators a ‘one-stop-shop' for rail carriage interiors, showcasing  together for the first time at Railway Interiors Expo 2011 this month.

The synergy created by bringing their skill and experience together under the name ‘Rail Interiors Solutions' ensures a strong presence and a perhaps compelling new way to market their products and services in the global rail interiors market. 

All the expertise and material required to transform a carriage from an empty shell into a modern, attractive and comfortable haven for discerning passengers, travelling in any class from standard to luxury, is said to be available from the Scottish consortium of five renowned businesses. Rail Interiors Solutions consists of East Kilbride-based novograf, Replin Fabrics of Peebles, Livingston's Transcal, Kirkcaldy-based Forbo Flooring and Glasgow's Andrew Muirhead and Son.

The companies recently collaborated on a successful £6 million project to refurbish carriages for East Midlands Trains.

Combined skills

Cathy Black, head of textiles, Scottish Enterprise said:

"We are delighted these companies have combined their skills and are now offering an entirely new proposition to an international market. This is the kind of innovative approach we welcome from the Scottish textiles industries as it puts us streets ahead of our competitors in market."

"There is no doubt that potential clients will be impressed not only by the initiative demonstrated by these companies to provide a full bespoke service, but also by the quality of their end product."  

"The coming-together of Railway Interiors Solutions will strengthen Scotland's position in the competitive railway interiors market and allow this unique group of companies to target new and bigger customers," Ms Black added.

"Together they can offer clients worldwide an unrivalled solution to their rail interior requirements."

The companies' first public show of unity will be at the Railway Interiors Expo 2011 in Cologne, where together they will design and create a concept railway carriage in order to demonstrate the products and services they offer. Running for three days from 15-17 November, the event is said to be the world's only international exhibition dedicated to railcar interior equipment and design, attracting visitors from more than 60 countries.

Consortium profiles Scottish Enterprise has provided the following profiles for the five Scottish companies which make up the consortium:

novograf

novograf is an expert in brand presentation and surface refresh solutions. They have been transforming the UK's trains, airports, shops, restaurants, bars, banks and car showrooms for more than 25 years. novograf's brand and surface solutions provide an economical and effective alternative to replacement programmes. All types of surfaces and fixtures can be transformed with minimum fuss and maximum impact, providing a cost-effective, long-lasting solution. All novograf solutions are tailored to the client's business needs, from simple refresh projects to the roll-out of nationwide rebranding programmes.

Replin Fabrics

Replin Fabrics designs, manufactures and supplies premium textiles to blue chip rail and aviation industries worldwide, including customers in the UK, France, Ireland, China, Korea and Russia. Their core products, including wool-based fabrics for wallcoverings, seating and curtains, are designed and manufactured at their headquarters in the Scottish Borders. Replin Fabrics are innovative, design-led and committed to new product development, and their in-house laboratory guarantees they meet or exceed the technical and safety requirements for each country and market.

Transcal

Transcal designs, manufactures and fits transport seating, interior panels and accessories in leather and textile fabrics. Transcal's engineers and craftsmen take pride in assembly and quality control management, ensuring a process that not only creates peerless build quality, but also injects passion into everything it makes. Leather products are hand-built by a team of highly skilled craftsmen, with leather seats assembled by a single engineer who stamps his signature on each seat with an assembly and functional check.

Forbo Flooring Systems

Forbo Flooring Systems is a global market player in project vinyl and world leader in linoleum floor coverings, with a market share of over 60%. Forbo Flooring Systems is part of the Swiss Forbo Group and owns 14 manufacturing plants and branches in 32 countries worldwide. As a global leader in flooring systems they create better environments and more rewarding opportunities for stakeholders. Forbo serves and drives the market, setting the pace and standard for world class flooring solutions.

Andrew Muirhead

Andrew Muirhead has been producing fine quality leather since 1840 and today exports to more than 60 countries. The company is renowned for quality, service and environmental awareness. It's commitment to quality has kept Europe's oldest tannery at the forefront of the leather industry, producing high performance quality leathers from hides reared through a unique blend of animal husbandry and fertile grazing, predominantly in Scotland. Andrew Muirhead strives to understand customer needs and develop new products designed specifically to meet those needs.