When Metro Trains encountered accessibility issues with its latest fleet, Infastech’s specialised tooling expertise offered a quick, effective solution.
Metro Trains recently faced a critical operational challenge with the arrival of its new fleet from France: the emergency stop systems were installed at a height inaccessible to passengers in wheelchairs. This oversight not only impacted usability but also raised serious concerns around compliance with accessibility standards, prompting an urgent need for modification.
Infastech stepped in to solve this complex issue. “We were able to assist Metro Trains with a special rework solution using a fairly specialised tool and setup to fabricate hexagonal holes quickly, which is not easy to do,” explains Matt Wood, Engineering Quality Manager at Infastech. This essential adjustment enabled the relocation of emergency stops to an accessible height, ensuring both safety and compliance. Scheduled to continue over the coming years, the project underscores Infastech’s versatility beyond fastening solutions.
Without Infastech’s intervention, Metro Trains might have faced a costly and time-consuming remanufacturing process. “If it wasn’t for our tooling solution, they’d have had to fully remanufacture the whole plate from scratch,” says John Belayiannis, Sales and Marketing Director at Infastech. By enabling on-site modifications, Infastech’s approach minimised downtime and optimised efficiency.
This hands-on service model is integral to Infastech’s operations. “We don’t just hand over tools and leave customers to figure it out on their own,” says Wood. “Where required, we assist with tool demonstrations and provide guidance on proper setup. Sometimes customers have a few niggling problems when they aren’t using the tools properly. Going in and having those conversations with them is always valuable.”
Infastech’s support extends to a range of products designed for on-site adjustments. “Beyond our Camrail fasteners, lock bolts, and on-site tooling, we also provide threaded inserts—commonly known as nutserts—to ensure our clients can maximise the use of our products with minimal downtime,” Wood explains.
Further illustrating Infastech’s capabilities, Belayiannis notes, “With connections to over 50 factories, we can manufacture a wide array of metal products, not limited to fasteners, such as stampings, mouldings, plastics, and special clips, crucial for various manufacturing processes.” For urgent projects, Infastech utilises rapid prototype fabrication technology, enabling them to deliver custom parts within compressed timeframes. “This capability allows us to produce products within very short timeframes, effectively compressing the timing for special projects,” Wood adds.
As manufacturers, Infastech also provides a responsive support structure. “We provide swift answers directly from the source,” says Belayiannis. “If an answer isn’t immediately available, we ensure it is provided within 24 hours.”
With its specialised tooling solutions and commitment to proactive customer support, Infastech continues to set new standards for accessibility, safety, and operational efficiency across the rail industry and beyond.
