Unipart Company, Park Signalling, Secures £3M Network Rail Contract
Unipart company Park Signalling has kicked off 2025 with a significant achievement in the rail industry, securing a £3m contract with Network Rail. This major milestone reinforces Unipart’s reputation as a leading provider of cutting-edge technology solutions and its commitment to advancing the efficiency, safety, and sustainability of the UK’s rail network.
A Key Milestone in Rail Technology
Unipart Company: Park Signalling’s latest project involves the development of a Design Workstation that will support the UK’s Solid State Interlocking (SSI) signalling systems. Introduced by British Rail in the 1980s, SSI is an essential electronic signalling system still used at over 450 sites, covering approximately 45% of the UK’s interlockings.
This new Design Workstation will replace outdated technology, providing rail engineers with advanced hardware and software tools to test, configure, and update SSI interlockings on a modern platform. These innovations aim to ensure the continued efficiency and safety of the UK’s rail infrastructure while minimising downtime for critical services.
Marc Winterton, Managing Director of Park Signalling, commented:
“We are delighted to continue a long-term partnership with Network Rail by developing a replacement Design Workstation that is critical to the long-term efficiency of SSI signalling systems. This award is a testament to the innovation and unrivalled technical expertise that gives Network Rail confidence in our ability to deliver signalling, control, and obsolescence solutions that enhance the safety and efficiency of UK railways.”
Unipart Company: Park Signalling – Driving Progress in the Rail Industry
The Design Workstation will offer significant benefits, including:
- The ability for engineers to safely create and modify interlocking logic.
- Configuring trackside equipment with improved precision.
- Performing simulations and testing in a controlled environment to minimise risks.
This will not only bolster the operational efficiency of the rail network but also enhance safety by reducing downtime and improving the reliability of rail services.
Dr. David McGorman, Managing Director of Unipart Technologies Group, highlighted the broader significance of the project:
“This latest collaboration with Network Rail further demonstrates Unipart’s ability to provide cutting-edge technology solutions for the rail industry that nobody else can. By combining Park Signalling’s deep technical understanding with Unipart’s commitment to performance improvement in the rail industry, we are uniquely positioned to address Network Rail’s critical project requirements and drive continued progress within the rail sector.”
About Unipart: A British Success Story
Headquartered in Oxford, Unipart is a global supply chain solutions and performance improvement technologies provider. With a diverse portfolio of clients across sectors including rail, automotive, aerospace, healthcare, and e-commerce, Unipart is a trusted partner for operational excellence in over 20 countries.
This new contract with Network Rail underscores Unipart’s innovative spirit and its dedication to delivering results that meet the highest standards of safety, sustainability, and efficiency.
Looking Ahead
Work on the Design Workstation is already underway, with completion expected by September 2026. This collaboration between Park Signalling and Network Rail is set to make a lasting impact on the UK’s rail infrastructure, ensuring its resilience and efficiency for years to come.
As a proud B4 Member, Unipart embodies the power of businesses working together to achieve remarkable outcomes. Their achievements demonstrate how expertise, innovation, and collaboration can drive progress not only for individual companies but for entire industries.
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