Bombardier Transportation

Plymouth-based Bombardier Transportation undertook a KTP project to develop and design the next generation train detection and signalling system
Motion blurred train in London area of UK in a sunny summer day England

Fast facts

  • 'Company: Bombardier Transportation UK Ltd

  • (Location: Plymouth, Devon

  • <Industry/sector: Transport and storage

  • ASize: Large size enterprise

Project information

  • Project aim: To develop and design the next generation train detection and signalling system
  • Project duration: Two years
  • Project budget: £92,700
  • KTP funder: Technology Strategy Board
  • Academic team: Dr Marcel Ambroze and Dr Mohammed Zaki Ahmed from the School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics 
  • Associate name: Dr Jing Cai
  • Degree studied: PhD in Information and Coding Theories, University of Plymouth

Background

Bombardier is a world leader in the field of developing, engineering and installing advanced rail control and signalling systems and part of Bombardier Transportation, a leader in the global rail sector with operations in more than 35 countries. One of the products that have been designed and manufactured at Bombardier Plymouth is the EB/Track 400, a coded train detection system which was launched at the InfraRail exhibition at the NEC in March 2008.
The Bombardier Plymouth team realised that they lacked the necessary innovative coding algorithms expertise required to further develop the product, and turned to University of Plymouth's academic experts to help them address this problem.
The work carried out to develop the new EB/Track 400 coded track circuit system, with support from University experts and KTP Associate Dr Jing Cai, has resulted in Bombardier being approached by Network Rail who want to adopt the system for use in the UK. This extraordinary and unprecedented success within the industry makes Bombardier the only UK Company to have coded track circuit technology being used by Network Rail.
This KTP project has made a substantial impact at the Plymouth site, most significantly by raising its profile and ensuring its long-term survival. More importantly, the KTP has helped secure sixty jobs, leading to the retention of vital skills for research, development and manufacturing for the South West region and the UK.
The relationship between the company and the University continues to flourish with the securing of funding for a second KTP project.

Benefits

  • The project led to projected worldwide sales of £6 million per annum
  • Reinforced the company’s global position by increasing market share by 30 per cent
  • Further expansion into international markets
  • Ensured the long-term survival of the Plymouth site, securing sixty jobs
  • Led to Bombardier becoming a world leader with new patented coded train detection system, critical for retaining the UK manufacturing base within a global organisation
  • The project was awarded the Best Business Impact Award at the national KTP Awards 2011
  • New areas of world-class research identified in this area for the University
  • Two undergraduate and three post-graduate student research projects formulated
  • Associate offered a permanent position with Bombardier as a Design Engineer, first ‘technical specialist‘ level appointment at the Plymouth site for eight years
  • Strong ongoing relationship between the University and the company

As a result of our successful collaboration with University of Plymouth through KTP, the joint team developed a cutting-edge product that is innovative and marketable and has already secured a market lead over its worldwide competitors.

Andy Millar, Engineering Design Manager, Bombardier Transportation

The KTP programme provided me with essential training that I needed to help my future career development. Through the design process, I have definitely enhanced my professional skills as a researcher as well as an engineer.

Dr Jing Cai, KTP Associate with Bombardier