Author Archives: Alex Cottrell

Evolution not revolution as Gantrail reveals refreshed brand identity

Today sees the launch of a refreshed identity for the Gantrail brand, as this leader in crane rail engineering moves into an exciting new phase of market development and innovation.

First established 55 years ago, Gantry Railing Limited ‘Gantrail’, has grown today to become one of the most recognised and trusted names in crane rail engineering solutions. With a network of partners and strategic operations throughout the world, the Gantrail team, has partnered with leading consultants and contractors to deliver some of the most notable crane rail projects seen today.

From the roof of the world famous Wimbledon tennis stadium to the adjustable crane rail system in Port of Long Beach, the solutions that the teams have designed and delivered really do reinforce the organisations well known strapline which is ‘A world of crane rail expertise’.

So, why now for a refresh of the established brand identity? Managing Director, Peter Bygrave explains.

“Our previous logo was designed in the 90’s and has grown since that time to be instantly recognisable and distinctive in the marketplace. However, we all agreed that it was starting to look a little dated and not really representative of the increasingly sophisticated and technical direction that the business is taking. In addition, our adoption of more and more digital channels and platforms gives us a superb opportunity to really bring the brand element to life in the way we communicate with our customers, and the previous logo was too complex to allow this to happen. The refreshed logo design is definitely more evolution than revolution and this was important as we really value the huge amount of equity and recognition that the old logo had. You will see that we have also retained our strapline, and I believe that the new look marque still very strongly reflects the Gantrail brand”.

The new logo will be rolled out across the operation over the coming months with a target date for full release by end of March 2021. Timing of the logo release also coincides with the internal launch of the latest strategic plan for Gantrail, which sees a new Distributor Channel Strategy and Product Innovation Programme set in motion. Newly appointed Technical Manager, Jordan Hey, will be instrumental in the implementation of this along with colleagues from the Senior Management team. Bygrave continues

“After what has been an immensely challenging year for the industry, we have a clear vision and strategy in place which will see us build on the already strong reputation that Gantrail has. Lessons have been learnt throughout 2020, and from these, a number of new technical , digital and operational efficiencies have resulted, that will be launched shortly. In the meantime, we look forward to the opportunities that 2021 will bring and the role that our new brand identity will play as we continue to move forwards”.

 

New 4 Series Clip Range Now Launched

As trusted leaders in our field, we are committed to continuous improvement and innovation. We are therefore delighted to announce the release of our latest generation of crane rail fixing clips.

The Gantrail 4 Series range, available immediately, builds upon the proven and tested product features delivered across our 3 Series range, but with the development of new technical characteristics that deliver even greater installation, performance and maintenance benefits to our clients. Speaking of this latest innovation Managing Director Peter Bygrave says:

 “The 3 series range of clips has become a well-established and trusted range, used in many projects across the world. However, we saw a real opportunity to take our learnings from a number of applications and project conditions and evolve the range further. The new 4 Series does exactly this. With a range of new features and benefits, enhancements can be seen at every stage of the product lifecycle. These include simple upgrades such as the incorporation of a drain hole to prevent a build up of standing water to more advanced features such as the new rotating washer which ensures all components are engaged and locked during installation (patent pending). I am proud of the work that our technical teams have done to deliver this new range and very much look forward to feedback from the market as it is rolled out across our contracts.”

Download the latest Technical Data Sheets here

 

Project Win At Pipavav Port

We are delighted to announce that Gantrail has been selected as partner for the Pipavav Port Berth 1 project in India. Having worked previously on Berths 2 and 3 at Pipavav, this latest contract win speaks of the trust that the client has placed in our teams. From an initial survey in 2018, courtesy of our agent Gallant Engineering, and the delivery of findings and associated rail refurbishment recommendations , we have recently secured the order for materials supply. Peter Bygrave, Managing Director said, “This is another great example of partnerships, performance and trust and we are delighted to have secured the project.”

Celebrating 20 years of professionalism and loyal teamwork.

At Gantrail we have many things that we can feel exceptionally proud of. Be that the way we have grown over the last half a century, the relationships we have with many of the leading lights in the industry or the quality of product we produce. But none of these things would be possible without our team and the service and dedication that they show, every single day. One such example of this dedication can be seen in our colleague RadhaKrishnan, Administrator for the Middle East, who recently hit the 20-year milestone with our business. So, after all this time, let’s find out what has kept him loyal and dedicated for two decades.

So, Radha, 20 years with one company is a long time! What is about Gantrail that has kept you working here for so long?

“It really comes down to the Management. Before joining Gantrail, I had worked for several companies in Bombay and Dubai. Large and small, great to work for and some less so, I’d had different experiences with each employer. Since joining Gantrail, my life has changed a lot and I have found structure and stability which has been key. The culture at Gantrail is unlike anything I had come across before. I have felt genuine affection from colleagues and management, and this has given me the confidence and freedom to develop and build my skills. Throughout my career I have always felt trusted, respected and also that they really
understand and know me. This is so important to me. Plus, I very much enjoy the culture at Gantrail and the congenial atmosphere that exists between us, wherever in the world we are located. I must also mention Malcolm Trigg, now retired, who during his time always took the time to make sure that I was well and enjoying my job. I will always be grateful to
him.”

And it seems Malcolm agrees.

“Radha joined us early in 2000 fully expecting to work alongside the area manager who was
located in Dubai and operating out of the same office. Very soon after circumstances
changed and he found himself working in the office alone under my guidance. I would make
regular visits spending a week or so at a time in Dubai but essentially Radha had to manage
by himself. He was, quite frankly, amazing. In all my long career I have never come across
anyone else so loyal and so hard working. Gantrail has much to be thankful for and Radha
has much to be proud of. It was a great pleasure to work with him.”

Radha, in your experience, how does Gantrail deliver great customer service?

“Without a doubt. Gantrail has a unique ability to make customers see our teams as an
extension of their own. For example, when a customer gets in touch, they feel like they are
calling colleagues, not just a supplier.”

And what about the future?

“These are difficult times for all business. But, with the professionalism and customer care
that Gantrail has become known for, I am sure that the company has a very bright future
and will flourish even further in the years to come.”

And to wrap up, what would be your final words on Gantrail?

“A thoroughly professional organisation that puts its people and clients at the heart of
everything it does.”

Incredible career spanning half a century comes to a well deserved end!

John Vaughn (R) pictured with Malcolm Trigg

Late last month, we said goodbye to John Vaughn, the longest standing member of the Gantrail team, as he took his well deserved retirement after more than 30 years with the business.

As if his 30+ years with Gantrail wasn’t impressive enough, John had in fact worked for the former owners of Gantrail since the tender age of 19. So retiring at 70, John is one of only a few people that will have seen some of the most significant changes to the industry during his 51 year long career.

“One of the most obvious changes I have witnessed is the role of technology. I remember back in the early days of Gantrail, working alone at a bench, fixing rubber noses to our clips. I kept diligent records of the products completed each week and can recall that in an average month I would have worked on 15,000 clips.”

John goes on to recall how he turned the production into a true family affair bringing his father in law in to assist him in the factory. And fittingly, as a family, is very much how John sees his entire career. It was back when John was only 16 years old and working as a coal man that a chance meeting brought him and George Molyneux into contact. George, at the time, ran a successful steelwork fabrication business that had a crane rail tracks division, and took John on to start work on 9th April 1968 as a Steel Errecting Radial Arm Driller. In 1990, John recalls sitting with Mr Molyneux in his Range Rover when he said “John I have another job for you”, referring to his recent purchase of Gantry Railing Limited. So in July 1990 John started his Gantrail career as Stores Supervisor, and remained a key member of the team right the way through to October this year. Mr Molyneux remained Chairman of Gantrail until his death in 2010, but John continued his career for as long as he could, as much out of a continued duty to Mr Molyneux as from his respect for his fellow team colleagues.

Having worked for 3 Managing Directors during his time with Gantrail, John has seen the business develop into a global success, and everyone at Gantrail respects the hard work John put in some 30 years ago to help set the foundations for its success.