East Devon MP Simon Jupp toured the Tiverton-based business which has developed a range of products and solutions specifically designed for the rail industry. Simon Jupp MP had the chance to meet local site members whose work has been critical over the past year. The visit to Tiverton marks the fifth Rail Fellowship Programme visit organised by the Railway Industry Association to have taken place in-person this year, displaying to MPs the valuable role the rail industry plays.
On Thursday 12 August, dormakaba, a global solution provider on electronic access and entrance systems which also supplies industrial locks and security solutions, welcomed local MP Simon Jupp in their Tiverton based key assembly site. dormakaba took the opportunity to showcase their reliable key systems which are chosen by many rail industry professionals around the country and designed to operate in some of the most challenging environments. Simon Jupp MP had the chance to meet the local team members working onsite and tour dormakaba’s facility.
The visit was part of the Railway Industry Association’s Rail Fellowship Programme, which encourages MPs to gain hands-on experience of the rail sector, with site visits taking place in their local area. Simon Jupp is the fifth MP to take part since the programme begin hosting physical visits again after the 2021 Covid-19 lockdown. MPs across the political spectrum have been to sites across the UK, with the likes of Labour MP Navendu Mishra in Stockport, Liberal Democrat MP Sarah Olney in Richmond and Conservative MP Mark Fletcher in Bolsover.
By taking part, Simon will become a member of the RIA Rail Fellowship, Class of 2021, and will be invited to an award ceremony in Parliament to celebrate his support for the local rail sector.
Upon arrival, Simon Jupp was introduced to dormakaba and was led on a socially distanced tour of the site. The visit showcased the close relationship dormakaba has established with the rail industry. Working in close partnership with train operators, major rolling stock manufactures and rail maintenance companies they have developed a range of bespoke security locking systems for specific rail applications. As well as mechanical physical locking, an extensive range of key switches to control safety critical electrical systems on rolling stock has been developed and has been adopted by many rolling stock manufacturers and train operators worldwide. With their in-house engineering facility, dormakaba can work with their customers to provide unique solutions to fit existing designs and equipment.
Simon Jupp, MP for East Devon said: “Companies like dormakaba play a vital part in our rail sector as well as creating local jobs. It was a pleasure to visit the site in Tiverton and meet those working on products that help keep our rail networks safe. I am honoured to become a member of the RIA Rail Fellowship and will continue to do my bit to support the railway industry locally and nationally.”
Clive Baker, Director of Security locking at dormakaba said: “It was a pleasure to welcome Simon Jupp and our colleagues at RIA to our Tiverton site. We were able to explain the broad range of security and access control products that dormakaba offers to many and varied Global markets.
“After an overview of the dormakaba business and its contribution to the rail sector both in the UK and overseas Simon was taken on a tour of the factory. During the visit he witnessed some of our recent investments in cutting-edge technology used to produce precision keys and cylinders. He was shown around by Ron Stevenson, Operations Manager and Elliott Teed, Manufacturing Engineer, a graduate who recently joined dormakaba. Elliott is a great example of new blood coming into the business with enthusiasm and new ideas.
“After the tour there was some good open discussion covering the rail sector and the important role it plays in the UK economy. Simon’s closing comments were that he will never look at a key in the same away again!”
Neil Walker, Exports Director at the Railway Industry Association (RIA), said: “It is fantastic to have Simon Jupp join our RIA Rail Fellowship Programme and introduce him to dormakaba in Tiverton. dormakaba is a great example of a local rail business which provides a critical service to the rail industry whilst also supporting local jobs and investment. “We are delighted to see the cohort of the Rail Fellowship Class of 2021 continue to grow, providing MPs up and down the country and across the political spectrum with a greater insight into the hard work and innovation of one of Britain’s most resilient industries. We look forward to continuing to showcase the sector through upcoming visits.”
Photo credit: Dormakaba
