Gripple – Levelling up electrification efforts

Rail electrification presents an unprecedented opportunity to revolutionise transport networks globally. It is a key enabler of decarbonisation, offering a sustainable solution for modernising infrastructure and reducing the carbon footprint of one of the most significant sectors in terms of energy consumption. However, the implementation of rail electrification presents significant challenges. Stakeholders must navigate issues such as tight project timelines, complex logistics, and skills shortages, all while maintaining the highest safety standards.

Gripple, a Sheffield-based manufacturer, has positioned itself as a firm leader in this journey. Since the launch of its SwiftLine Rail Dropper in 2023, Gripple has been making waves in the industry with innovations designed to enhance efficiency, improve safety, and reduce costs across rail electrification projects. Through a unique approach that combines high-quality engineering with a culture of innovation and collaboration, Gripple plays a key role in shaping the future of rail electrification.

To explore how Gripple contributes to this critical effort, we spoke with Harvey Hancock, infrastructure marketing manager, Paul Whittle, group product manager, and Martin King, business development manager. Together, they provide an insight into how the company’s products are changing the landscape of rail electrification, and how partnerships and stakeholder engagement are critical to its success.

Leading engineering innovation

For more than 30 years, Gripple has been at the forefront of engineering innovation, having first made its name as the inventor of wire joiners and tensioners. Over the years, the company has expanded its portfolio, solving problems in sectors from construction to renewable energy. However, at its core Gripple has remained a company driven by problem-solving and innovation.

“Gripple prides itself on providing innovative solutions to market-led problems and pain points,” says Paul.

We develop products with diligent purpose and intent. We take a problem, and we create solutions that disrupt established methods and industries for the better. Whether it’s through our wire tensioners or our new SwiftLine range of rail products, our goal is to bring about meaningful change by addressing market-led problems and pain points.”

Gripple’s expansion into the rail sector in 2023 was a natural progression. While it might seem like a significant leap, Gripple had been working on various rail-related projects for years, predominantly developing ground anchoring systems to stabilise embankments. These projects exposed the company to the challenges facing rail electrification and prompted a shift towards designing OLE solutions.

“After working alongside rail lines, we identified a clear gap in the market for faster, more efficient solutions,” Martin comments. “That’s when we began developing products specifically designed for the rail industry, resulting in the launch of the SwiftLine Rail Dropper.”

The SwiftLine Rail Dropper was a game-changer for Gripple’s entry into the rail market. Developed alongside and approved by Network Rail in the UK and Switzerland’s Federal Office for Transport, this innovative catenary dropper eliminated the need for complex on-site adjustments, significantly reducing installation time and improving safety.

Exploring new solutions

Electrifying the UK’s rail network is essential for achieving ambitious net-zero goals, but the path to success has been fraught with challenges.

Engineers often work under intense pressure and demanding conditions. The complexities of working at height, often in the dark, and using traditional methods such as cutting, crimping, and torquing droppers can slow projects down. With a growing skills gap in the workforce and traditional methods becoming increasingly problematic to source, the safe and efficient execution of installations is becoming more difficult.

This is where Gripple saw an opportunity for innovation. Paul explains: “Working closely with industry professionals, we looked at these challenges and asked ourselves: how can we rethink how OLE is designed and installed? What can we do to make the process faster, safer, and more cost-effective?”

The answer came in the form of the SwiftLine Rail Dropper. Launched in late 2023, the SwiftLine Rail Dropper comes pre-assembled, requiring minimal training for its tool-free installation. Incorporating Gripple’s Auto-Torque contact clamp and quarter-turn catenary fixing, user error and the need for on-site adjustments are eliminated, ensuring a faster, more reliable installation process. The streamlined process minimises reliance on labour, which is especially important given the reduced availability of workers in the industry.

“This ensures engineers can install the dropper right first time with confidence” says Martin. “It’s been a massive success with our industry partners who have seen first-hand how much time and cost these innovations save.”

The SwiftLine Rail Dropper was followed by the SwiftLine Rail Jumper in 2024 – an equally innovative product that also provides tool-free installation and reduces cable strain on the high voltage jumper section installs. This has the added benefit of extending the lifespan of OLE components and reducing long-term maintenance costs.

These products reflect Gripple’s commitment to engineering excellence. “We’re not just creating products to speed up the installation process,” says Harvey. “Our products are designed to be long-lasting and sustainable. We focus on creating solutions that not only solve immediate problems but also contribute to whole life-costs and a greener, more efficient rail network in the long term.”

Success through collaboration

Gripple’s success is not solely the result of its engineering capability; it also stems from its deep commitment to collaboration with key industry stakeholders. “Innovation doesn’t happen in isolation,” Harvey says. “We believe in truly understanding the problems our customers face, and that means listening to feedback, engaging with key stakeholders, and continuously refining our products to meet their needs.”

Gripple’s partnership with Network Rail and contractors has been pivotal in bringing its products to market. The company is also an active member of both the Rail Forum and the Rail Industry Association (RIA), where it engages in ongoing dialogue with industry experts.

“By working with industry bodies and attending forums, we can have candid discussions about the challenges our partners are facing,” Paul says. “These conversations drive us to think outside the box and keep pushing the boundaries of innovation.”

Stakeholder collaboration is key to Gripple’s approach, helping it to ensure that every product is not only well-designed but also thoroughly tested and validated.

“We don’t develop products in a vacuum,” explains Martin. “We engage with our partners at every stage of the process, from prototype to trial to final deployment. This feedback loop allows us to create solutions that truly address the needs of the industry.”

World-class manufacturing

Gripple’s commitment to innovation is matched by its dedication to quality. The company has made significant investments in advanced manufacturing techniques, including vertical integration across its seven manufacturing facilities in South Yorkshire. This gives Gripple greater control over the production process, ensuring consistent quality and enabling them to respond quickly to their customers’ requirements.

“We’re not outsourcing any part of our manufacturing,” explains Martin. “By controlling every aspect of the process, from design to assembly, we can ensure the highest levels of quality and traceability. We even manufacture the bespoke machinery used in the process, which gives us an edge in delivering world-class products.”

This commitment to vertical integration also protects Gripple’s supply chain, helping the company mitigate the risks associated with global supply chain disruptions. “By keeping production local, we can protect our customers from market uncertainties and ensure projects stay on track,” says Harvey.

Gripple’s manufacturing processes are also aligned with the company’s sustainability goals.

“Sustainability is at the core of everything we do,” Harvey adds. “By controlling production in-house, we can reduce waste, lower our carbon footprint, and provide long-term solutions that contribute to a greener future.”

Looking ahead

As the rail sector works towards meeting its electrification goals, Gripple remains committed to staying ahead of the curve. The company is already planning several new product launches for 2025, including AWAC-compatible versions of its SwiftLine range and a new Forked Collar product which is designed to simplify the installation process. These innovations will help meet the needs of expanding markets, furthering Gripple’s mission to accelerate electrification and build a greener, more efficient rail network.

“We’re just getting started,” says Paul. “Our goal is to continue innovating, to provide engineers with the tools they need to tackle the challenges of the rail industry. We’re excited about the future of the rail sector.”

Gripple’s approach – focusing on innovation, collaboration, and world-class manufacturing – positions the company as a leader in the transformation of rail electrification. By engaging with stakeholders, listening to their challenges, and creating solutions that make a real difference, Gripple is helping to accelerate the transition to a greener, more sustainable rail network.

For more information on Gripple’s innovative rail solutions, visit www.gripple.com. 

Image credit: Gripple