Hepworth Rail International

Hepworth Rail International, a division of B Hepworth & Co., is a UK based organisation supplying high performance wiper systems into a global market that demands the very best.

Our brand is built on.....

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Experience

Hepworth Rail is the leading supplier of bespoke wiper equipment, having over seventy years of experience specialising in the design and manufacture of heavy duty windscreen wiper systems.

With the need for good clear visibility an essential safety consideration, names such as Alstom Transport Limited, London Underground, Bombardier and Siemens know they can rely on Hepworth Rail’s expertise in the design and manufacture of wiper systems to meet their specific and individual needs.

Meeting the challenges of rapidly developing technology alongside the stringent demands of the rail industry, Hepworth Rail have built a reputation at home and abroad, synonymous with quality and reliability, continually working to maximise and expand their product range.

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Quality assurance

Hepworth Rail is committed to the design, manufacture and supply of windscreen wiping systems, washing equipment and associated control systems of excellent quality, performance, reliability and safety which satisfy the needs, expectations and requirements of our Rail customers.

Incorporated into the design and validation processes will be the experience gained from an extensive background of type, endurance, routine and where required, shock, vibration and temperature testing data. Additionally, the requirements of Electromagnetic Compatibility Directives are met and certification issued for all wiper systems.

Our Quality Assurance System to BS EN ISO 9001:2000 Certificate number 928811 ensures that we have control of all critical activities and that a process of continuous improvement is achieved.

Every system undergoes testing, either using our own test procedures or carried out to the specific requirements of the customer.  Some of these tests include:

•  Routine Testing  •  Type Testing  •  Endurance Testing (Part of Type Test)
•  Electro - Magnetic Compatibility (EN) 50121-3-2  •  Vibration Testing

The quality and reliability of components are critical for peak performance, so materials of the highest quality are sourced for each screenwiper system produced, ensuring “on track” vehicles maintain and surpass that critical performance level.

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Sales & after service

Hepworth Rail back up the Original Equipment and Aftersales markets in the following areas:

•  Spares  •  Contract maintenance  •  Consumables  •  New for old replacement  •  Overhauls

Skilled service engineers are available for commissioning equipment and maintenance training.

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Design & application service

Hepworth Rail provide a design facility to builders of new rolling stock as well as refurbishment of existing vehicles, where replacement of pneumatic or existing electric systems is required, for the following types of vehicles:

•  High Speed Trains 
•  Diesel Multiple Units 
•  Locomotives 
•  Metros 
•  Electric Inter City 
•  Trams

Hepworth Rail’s team of Design Engineers also offer a design and application service to provide the best advice and assistance at the earliest stages of vehicle design, effectively contributing to even the most futuristic prototype.

With our expertise, proactive approach and comprehensive testing facilities, Hepworth Rail are more than capable of supplying a system to match any customers / stakeholders specific requirements.

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Systems

The wiper system is designed for each customer’s specific requirements to give maximum swept area, utilising the best combination of components from the following ranges:

•  Linkage systems and assemblies 
•  Suppressed systems 
•  Arms 
•  Wash equipment
•  Blades 
•  Custom built systems 
•  Motors

Control Units
A complete range of control units are available, from single to multi operational which can be flush or bulkhead mounted.
Voltages from 24v to 110v are covered, and control units combining reliable and independent control for any number of wipers can be supplied.

Each element of the control unit undergoes extensive testing and measurement to comply with EMC regulations, guaranteeing that
they do not cause electrical interference to neighbouring equipment. Contact us for your specific requirement, or the supply of fully approved standard systems.

Wiper Arms and Wiper Blades
Specially designed heavy duty arms supplied with high quality blades. Each system can be supplied with arms that match our customers’ requirements.

Motor Options
There are various voltage and torque combinations available, with all Hepworth Rail motors compliant to the latest UK and EU Rail Specifications including IEC 61373 etc.

Water Pumps and Washer Equipment
A complete range of electric water pumps are available for single or multiple outlets. Washer tanks are custom built to suit each application, dependant on capacity and space envelope specification. For use on rolling stock with either electric or pneumatic supply.

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Project Management

The Basic Lifecycle Diagram is shown below:

 

The lifecycle defines six phases through which all projects progress, from Initial Enquiry to Project Review. The six phases are defined into two groups which are linked through a process of stage-gate review.

Phases E and F are Hepworth Rail’s Production Run and Project Review and are therefore susceptible to the greatest risk value on all aspects of the company’s competencies and compliance to the customer’s requirements.

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International Railway Industry Standard (IRIS) Certification

Hepworth Rail International, part of the B. Hepworth & Co. Ltd Group has succeeded in becoming the first UK owned company awarded International Railway Industry Standard (IRIS) Certification by LRQA.

The Redditch based West Midlands Company is now in the enviable position of being a first tier global supplier to Bombardier, Siemens, Alstom, etc with the UNIFE promoted IRIS accreditation, which has been modeled on similar quality standards already in place in the aerospace and automotive industries and complements the internationally recognized ISO 9001 quality standard.

IRIS (International Railway Industry Standard) is a certified approvals process led by the Union of the European Railway Industries (UNIFE) and not only instigated but fully supported by four of the largest rolling stock manufacturers (Bombardier, Siemens, Alstom and AnsaldoBreda). It is specific to the railway industry and designed to measure the effectiveness of a company’s management systems.

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