Sheffield-based Mechan, a leading supplier of rail industry lifting products, is looking forward to a bumper year after new orders placed since January topped £1 million.

The depot maintenance equipment manufacturer has received new orders totalling a record £1.1 million in the first quarter of 2009, to be delivered in this financial year.

This surge in new business takes Mechan’s order book for 2009-10 to almost £2 million, which typically represents the entire turnover for the year. However the firm is confident it will secure at least another £1 million worth of work before Christmas, making this the most successful period yet for the 40-year-old company.

Mechan’s increased prosperity is bolstered by new orders from two major clients. Siemens Mobility has recently announced an enhancement and redevelopment programme for the Shields Traincare Maintenance Facility in Glasgow. As part of the project Siemens has placed a significant order with Mechan for lifting jacks and a bogie drop.

The firm has also secured the first order for its new sandbox filling system, worth £250,000, from VolkerFitzpatrick, the company commissioned by Network Rail to build its new depot at Edge Hill in Liverpool. In addition to the sandbox filling system, VolkerFitzpatrick has ordered three rail removal systems for the Edge Hill depot project.

Richard Carr, Mechan’s managing director, said: “In stark contrast to the general downturn in the manufacturing industry, Mechan is enjoying record growth thanks to the specialist nature, quality and reliability of our products. A recent move to new premises also means we are perfectly placed to accommodate this increased demand without compromising lead times or the service we provide to existing clients.”

For further information about Mechan’s extensive range of rail depot/workshop maintenance equipment, call 0114 257 0563 or visit www.mechan.co.uk.