A Day with… the Swietelsky ETCS Team

Article written by: Westcough, Fi

Based on feedback from the recent annual survey, many ECDP colleagues expressed a desire to better understand the roles and work of other teams across the programme. In response, we've launched the “A Day With…” series to spotlight different teams and showcase how everyone contributes to the success of ECDP. In this edition, we’re exploring the Swietelsky ETCS team. ?

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Introducing the Swietelsky ETCS Team

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Swietelsky is a railway construction company that specialises in on-track machinery for railway engineering works in the UK and throughout mainland Europe & Australia.

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They have over 70 years of continuous experience in rail infrastructure construction, marking their 20th?Year Anniversary in the UK this November. This makes Swietelsky one of the leading railway construction companies in Europe.

They work worldwide with their modern On Track Machines and within the UK are contracted by Network Rail to maintain the rail infrastructure. This includes the East Coast Mainline (ECML), so therefore their involvement in the East Coast Digital Programme comes from the need to fit their OTM’s with ETCS.

The Swietelsky ETCS team’s focus is on integrating ETCS into Swietelsky through collaboration with the Programme and its sectors. This requires a comprehensive approach, as the change not only requires the physical modification of assets, but also adapting the operational processes and training personnel surrounding it. The core areas include:

• Assets: Fitting ETCS equipment onto five on-track machines, which includes both the 09 3X and the 09 4x4 models.
• Processes: This includes adapting operational procedures related to driving, safety, and possessions (or track access), which will be impacted by the new ETCS system.
• People: Training drivers and operational staff to ensure they are equipped with the knowledge needed for safe and efficient operation with ETCS.

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The collaboration and knowledge-sharing efforts of team members like Neal Fussey (ETCS Operations Specialist), Mark Koo (Technical Manager), and Calum Oates (Director of Safety, Standards & Engineering) play a crucial role in developing a more efficient and cost-effective strategy for Swietelsky and ECDP, ultimately supporting the successful adoption as business as usual (BAU). The Swietelsky ETCS team works closely with multiple sectors within ECDP to ensure that the project is executed efficiently and comprehensively.

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Key Achievements and Milestones

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Internally, the Swietelsky ETCS Team have successfully come together and established a cohesive team dynamic that fosters collaboration and innovation both internally and with other teams across ECDP. The group has a blend of knowledge, experience, and drive, which has ensured that they remain focused and efficient in achieving objectives.

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Alan Devlin, Business Change Lead at Swietelsky, shared that “In today's dynamic landscape, it is often said that competition fuels innovation and progress. Within our own individual sectors, we are all competitors striving for excellence; however, the unique programme we participate in has cultivated an environment where traditional barriers have dissipated.”

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Another success has been the advanced stage of their simulator procurement process. These simulators, which will be delivered at Guide Bridge Depot in 2025, are an essential tool for training drivers and operational staff. Swietelsky are the first in the OTM sector to procure this equipment.

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Overcoming Challenges

In any project or initiative, there are often several unknown aspects that can pose significant challenges for all stakeholders involved. Questions such as, "What will possessions look like?" or "When can we expect fitment contracts and schedules?" frequently arise, leaving teams in a state of uncertainty. Additionally, the timeline for receiving essential training materials remains ambiguous, further complicating the planning process. These uncertainties can overwhelm project teams and hinder progress if not addressed proactively.

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To navigate these complexities, the team have found that the most effective strategy is to openly highlight these challenges to the Programme while simultaneously adopting a pragmatic approach. By fostering an environment of transparency, the team can identify the areas of concern and engage collaboratively with those working within those challenging aspects. This teamwork not only helps in addressing the unknowns but also promotes a shared understanding among all parties involved, transforming challenges into opportunities for growth and success.

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A Valuable Learning Experience: Visiting Copenhagen

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Members of the Swietelsky ETCS team have had the opportunity to learn from the experience of the local Swietelsky team operating ETCS in Copenhagen, Denmark. The team’s visit provided invaluable insights into the operational challenges and practicalities of working with ETCS on a day-to-day basis. They observed the system in action, gaining a deeper understanding of its integration into existing operations and identifying key lessons that could be applied within the ECDP. These lessons are subsequently being shared across the ECDP, helping to shape the team’s approach and ensuring that the knowledge gained from Copenhagen informs the programme’s wider implementation strategy.

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Looking Ahead: A Transformative Year for the Swietelsky ETCS Team

The success of the Swietelsky ETCS team has been driven by the invaluable contributions of many key individuals, this includes subject matter experts Mark Koo and Neal Fussey, as well as Ade Murray, Operations Manager, Chris Tucker, Training Manager, and Tam McCallum, Driving Standards Manager

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Alan Devlin, Business Change Lead at Swietelsky shared that “The team’s commitment to fostering a cooperative environment enables us to work together towards common objectives, making this venture not only productive but also enriching for all involved.”

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As we look toward 2025, the Swietelsky team is preparing for a critical phase in the integration of ETCS. One of the most important will be the arrival of the ETCS simulators at Guide Bridge Depot. The focus for the team over the next year is on finalising preparations for the fitment process and ensuring all necessary training materials are in place. With these steps, the team is committed to a smooth and efficient transition to ETCS. Alan explains: “2025 will be a pivotal year for us. We are working hard to make sure every aspect is ready, so we can deliver a seamless transition that sets the foundation for future success.”