Business celebrates ten years of success

Rail electrification infrastructure provider PACE Networks is celebrating its tenth anniversary today.

The business is built on a foundation which stretches back into the 1960s, when its co-founder Brian Cullum started an apprenticeship as a distribution network operator. Brian then went on to work in specialist electrical equipment supply, managing regions, working in acquisitions and launching a company which he went on to sell.

In 2011, Brian formed PACE Networks Ltd with his son. PACE says it has worked on every major UK rail electrification project that has taken place since.

With a focus on innovation and value, PACE Networks says it develops long-term relationships with suppliers and customers. More than 19 product acceptance approvals have been obtained, across a range that includes cantilevers, switches and disconnectors, insulators and bridge arms, fixed earth devices, droppers and clamps. In recent years, PACE has introduced services such as stocking and, in 2021, corona camera inspection and reporting, to enhance customers’ project and maintenance efficiency.

As it marked its tenth anniversary, the business picked a few highlights:

•            Electrification of Manchester-Liverpool saw PACE’s Omnia cantilevers deliver 40% weight reduction and faster installation.

•            Rutherglen and Coatbridge was delivered way ahead of the original schedule, with PACE achieving five-week delivery on some materials.

•            Fixed earth devices with remote securing, developed alongside partner Morris Line Engineering, are now often used across the network as part of the drive for safer isolations.

With a Power division which is now also working with all major UK Power Transmission and Distribution operators, PACE Networks says it is truly a key partner in electrification.

Managing director, Gavin Smith said: “Being close to our customers is the foundation of everything we do. Alongside investment in our people and processes, this is our focus for 2022 and beyond.”

Jon Cullum said: “I expect the next 10 years to be busy as the authorities grapple with decarbonisation and the changing nature of power networks. I believe that we will add further value through specialist services that complement our core technologies, and we continue to seek out partners from around the world that enable us to bring technology to operators in the UK and Eire.”

In celebration of 10 years, PACE is keen to support others and learn more about how it can help the industry it serves. With this in mind, the company says will make a charity donation on behalf of everyone from the industry who completes a short survey here: https://pace-networks.co.uk/10-years/

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