Stannah celebrates 200 years of UK railways with Network Rail

As proud suppliers to Network Rail, Stannah is delighted to celebrate with them as the rail industry marks 200 years of rail travel. Following the opening of the Stockton and Darlington Railway in 1825, the world’s first public steam railway, the UK railway network grew exponentially opening up travel possibilities for millions. Two hundred years later, over 1.6 billion journeys are made each year on Network Rail and Stannah is pleased to maintain over 1800 lifts and escalators at stations throughout the country, keeping customers moving quickly and conveniently to and from their trains.

Stannah’s links to the rail industry go back to the times of founder Joseph Stannah in the Victorian Industrial Revolution. An outstanding engineer with a passion for improvement of both engineering solutions and society, Joseph submitted a number of patents for locomotive parts to improve both safety and efficiency. 

Today, Stannah specialises in lifts and escalators and has a long-standing relationship with Network Rail. As Network Rail’s chosen supplier of lift and escalator services, Stannah is a key enabler in the organisation’s drive to create step free access across its 554 stations.

“Stannah's work for Network Rail aligns perfectly with the values of inclusion and safety that underpin the railway sector,” said Archie Hungwe, Chief Operating Officer at Stannah. “Our collaborative efforts with Network Rail to improve lift equipment performance are testament to our commitment to enhancing the travel experience for all passengers, whatever their mobility needs.” 

As the UK's railway system evolves, Stannah is continually innovating its business processes to meet the demands of the Network Rail contract and provide optimal performance of the lift equipment. The company’s lift solutions are engineered for reliability, efficiency, and user-friendliness, critical factors in ensuring that passengers can efficiently transition through busy stations. Stannah shares a vision with Network Rail to not only keep railway passengers moving but to make station and platform access convenient for everyone. 

"Celebrating 200 years of railway history is a momentous occasion for the rail industry," added Archie. "We are delighted to be working in partnership with Network Rail to build on that legacy every day and take the UK rail industry into a new era where we can ensure freedom of movement for all." 

Stannah is a leading provider of lifting solutions, specialising in the supply, installation, and maintenance of lifts, homelifts and stairlifts. With a history of excellence spanning over 150 years, Stannah is dedicated to innovation, safety, and improving accessibility in buildings and public spaces.