Keltbray Group, a leading UK specialist business that offers engineering, construction, demolition, decommissioning, remediation, rail, power transmission & distribution, reinforced concrete structures and environmental services, has been awarded Innovation of the Year at the Construction News Specialist Awards 2019.
The winning innovation was Keltbray’s Mobile Elevating Work Platform (MEWP) which was designed to dramatically reduce the risk of harm to staff caused by the introduction of larger, heavier parts on the railway overhead line systems. This has been achieved and the new machine is so effective that it actually enables works that previously required two machines to complete, thereby cutting operating and maintenance costs, as well as the use of diesel and related emissions by 50%.
The judges were extremely impressed with the innovation saying that it was a “rigorously researched solution to address practical needs in the expansion and future maintenance in rail infrastructure”.
Accepting the award last Wednesday was Keltbray Innovation Director Michael Pelken and Head of Engineering, Owen Mills.
On winning this award Michael said “We are thrilled to have received the highly competitive Construction News Specialists award for best innovation of the year. The award recognises the significant investments that Keltbray has made over the years, transitioning from truly disruptive to industry leading sustaining innovation.
“One of the key criteria in this award program is the overarching company commitment that we could very clearly demonstrate in numerous areas. The award does therefore not only honour unprecedented efficiencies and safety improvements that the rail road unit enables, but also the innovation culture of the business at large. So, really, everybody across the group can be proud of this achievement.”
Keltbray’s MEWP is a first in class lorry-based rail vehicle that completely outperforms any other device of this type. The machine carries a man-basket capable of a 12-metre reach, 500kg carrying capacity, with 360 degree rotation around the central turret and 180 degree rotation of the basket.
It has a Palfinger crane attachment capable of lifting 330kg at 3.6 metres reach in conjunction with the MEWP without the need for outriggers. It has a deck area capable of transporting material to site, and also proper seats with belts for safe travel.
The flexibility of this innovative machine allows components to be safely lifted into position outside the man-basket, thereby removing a lot of risk from crush injuries due to materials being lifted in the basket.
The recent roll-out of six of these innovative units demonstrates Keltbray’s commitment to efficient delivery and investment in equipment for safer, highly efficient practices.
Notes for Editors
About Keltbray Group
Keltbray Group is the UK’s leading specialist business, which offers engineering, construction, asbestos management, demolition, piling, decommissioning, remediation, rail, power distribution and transmission, reinforced concrete structures and environmental services. The company dates back to 1976, employs more than 1,800 people, and is a key player in developing and maintaining Britain’s built environment. Keltbray provides services to meet the needs of diverse and complex projects, and its well qualified people take pride in delivering projects safely and efficiently, on time and to budget, and with care for the environment and our communities. Keltbray has contributed to a range of high profile construction projects including The Shard, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park Stadium, St Pancras International, Crossrail, Earls Court, Battersea Power Station and HS2.
