Swietelsky Expands in UK with Major Acquisition of Rail Specialist. This was reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

Swietelsky Expands in UK with Major Acquisition of Rail Specialist
Source, photo: www.lovebusinesseastmidlands.com

Swietelsky has acquired Harry Needle Railroad Company in a significant deal valued in the eight-figure range. The move strengthens Swietelsky’s operations in the UK rail industry.

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The acquisition includes a 15-acre Worksop facility, one of the largest in the UK, and will enable Swietelsky to expand its rail support services. This facility handles up to 20 vehicles weekly for repair, refurbishment, and maintenance.

Swietelsky Gains a Strategic Edge with the Worksop Facility

Founded in 1999 by Harry Needle, the company initially focused on salvaging spares from retired rolling stock. Over time, it built a fleet of locomotives for hire, servicing key players like Alstom and South Eastern.

In 2019, with support from Frontier Development Capital (FDC), the company invested £8m to transform a derelict rail depot in Worksop into a comprehensive operations center. The site, combined with its Chesterfield location, can store up to 700 railway vehicles.

Harry Needle Railroad Company’s Remarkable Growth Attracts Swietelsky

Under FDC’s backing, Harry Needle Railroad Company achieved a 600% turnover increase, solidifying its reputation as a UK rail services leader. The business employs 30 staff across its two sites.

Swietelsky, Europe’s largest private track maintenance contractor, already operates UK sites in Reading, Manchester, and Glasgow through a joint venture with Babcock. Adding the Worksop facility to its portfolio will further enhance its capabilities.

Future Growth and Synergies for Swietelsky

Harry Needle, the company’s founder and Managing Director, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership with Swietelsky. He highlighted the deal’s potential to elevate the business’s service offerings and market reach.

FDC, through its Rail Supply Growth Fund, played a crucial role in enabling the Worksop facility’s transformation. The fund supports mid-market SMEs with investments ranging from £1m to £7.5m.

Jack Glonek, Investment Director at FDC, called the Worksop acquisition a pivotal moment for Harry Needle Railroad Company. Marcus Mayers, from RASIC consultancy, provided advisory support for the sale.

Swietelsky’s acquisition demonstrates its commitment to innovation and collaboration in the rail sector. By combining local expertise with global infrastructure, the company is poised to drive significant growth.

Source, photo: www.lovebusinesseastmidlands.com

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