Swadlincote based Dellner Couplers Limited has become the 100th business to join local trade and lobby group the Derby & Derbyshire Rail Forum.
Dellner specialises in providing and maintaining train connection systems, including couplers, dampers and gangways to railways worldwide.
The company’s UK headquarters is in the Derbyshire town of Swadlincote, but Dellner is no stranger to the East Midlands as its products are used on both CrossCountry and East Midlands Trains that operate across the region.
Formed in 1993 the Derby and Derbyshire Rail Forum represents the largest cluster of rail companies in the world.
Members of the DDRF include major local employers like Bombardier, East Midlands Trains and Network Rail as well as a host of small to medium sized companies which are often specialists in their field with skills in demand worldwide.
Michelle Craven, Vice Chairman of the DDRF said:
“We are delighted to welcome Dellner Couplers as the 100th member of the Derby and Derbyshire Rail Forum.
“2011 has been a challenging year for many of us in the local railway industry but it is good to see that our region continues to offer major international players a home for their businesses and that our membership continues to grow.”
Gary Shuttleworth, Managing Director of Dellner Couplers said:
“We are extremely pleased to become the 100th member of the Derby and Derbyshire Rail Forum. The Derbyshire location of our business is very important to us as the vast majority of our customers are within easy reach and we have access to an unrivalled supply chain as well.
“We are constantly looking to develop our relationship with these and similar local companies and the easiest way to do this is through the DDRF.”
David Brookes, Sales and Marketing Manager for Dellner Couplers added:
“We are keen to play a part in the rail industry at both a local and national level and we look forward to contributing to the work that the Derby and Derbyshire Rail Forum does in promoting the world’s largest rail cluster.”
As well as organising events and seminars for members the DDRF has also taken a lead in working with UKTI, the arm of government tasked with supporting UK companies keen to export products and services overseas.
The DDRF also liaises with Members of Parliament, local authorities and other key regional bodies to help create a positive business environment in the region for rail related companies, which has helped to bring new organisations to the region.
Membership of the DDRF is open to any organisation in the East Midlands which generates a minimum of 10% of company turnover from rail related work.
David and Gary,
Great to see a local firm doing well both locally and internationally, congratulations on becoming the 100th member of Derbyshire and Derby Rail Forum. Good luck for 2012 and I hope you continue to go from strength to strength. It’s encouraging to see a local firm employing and recruiting local people to work in engineering. Long may it continue.
Thanks Paul
We are already seeing the benefits of joining the DDRF and have made some great contacts already.
Dave