Electrification – it’s the subject on every rail professional’s mind and a key priority for the rail industry as it drives towards a greener, more sustainable future. But the pressure of tight possession windows, maintaining safety at height, the skills shortage, and the demand for continuous accuracy are significant challenges for any electrification programme.
Currently, the UK lags behind its European neighbours, with just 38% of its track electrified, compared to the continent’s average of 60%. More than ever, we need to simplify the traditionally complex processes – without compromising quality or safety. This is not just a nice-to-have; it’s a necessity to ensure the UK’s rail provision keeps pace with the rest of the world.
Network Rail has called upon companies to innovate to stay at the forefront of the challenge and Gripple, the Sheffield-based manufacturer, has responded with a range of fast, simple, and efficient OLE solutions. With overhead lines at the core of electrification, Gripple is determined to provide engineers with the solutions they need to unlock further rollout.
To gain insight on the impact Gripple is making in the rail sector, we spoke with Group Business Development Director Glenn Bills and Group Product Manager Paul Whittle about Gripple’s SwiftLine range – the industry’s key to achieving full rail electrification.
Making tracks
Having been around for more than 30 years, Gripple initially made its name as the original inventor of wire joiners and tensioners. The company has since expanded its product range across diverse sectors, including building services, agriculture, civil construction, landscaping, utilities, solar solutions, and more recently, the rail industry.
“Through the decades, Gripple’s guiding mission has been to create simple solutions that make a real difference – saving the installer time,” says Glenn. “It’s this commitment to problem-solving that propelled us into the rail sector. After many discussions with engineers and contractors, we were able to identify the industry’s struggles and address them with the launch of our inaugural rail product, SwiftLine Rail Dropper, back in 2023.”
Gripple’s SwiftLine Rail Dropper provides a fast, efficient alternative to traditional OLE droppers. Designed for quick and easy installation, its simple but secure quarter-turn catenary fixing and the auto torque contact wire clamp ensures the correct torque every time and best-in-class cable protection. It hangs vertically to connect the catenary and contact wires at regular intervals, ensuring uninterrupted conductivity.
But Gripple didn’t stop there. In 2024, it introduced the SwiftLine Rail Jumper, enabling OLE engineers to attach to the catenary and contact wire in seconds. Thanks to its tool-free auto torque clamps with V-spring fixings, it is significantly faster and easier to install than traditional parallel groove clamps – and built to be four times longer lasting.
“These solutions were created with the aim of removing complexities on site,” explains Paul. “The pre-assembled and adjustable nature means far more can be done within a possession window, all while reducing the time spent working at height and in the dark.”
The latest innovation
Launched this spring, the SwiftLine Forked Collar is the latest addition to the SwiftLine range.
Glenn outlines how things have worked until now: “Forked collars, used for terminating and connecting the ends of conductor wires on OLE, are typically hindered by complex installation processes. The lack of a universal design has made them susceptible to user error which can lead to increased safety risks and costly project delays.
“Until very recently, collars have relied on a cone-shaped gripping mechanism which doesn’t allow the wire to return once it has been pushed through. Even the most minute of mistakes can mean wasted materials and time – and starting again from scratch. That’s not a luxury most teams have, especially with tight possession windows where delays can run up fines in the tens of thousands.”
Paul warns: “Forked collars may be seen as a small component, but they bear a disproportionate amount of risk if it goes wrong. That’s why the SwiftLine Forked Collar is a game-changer. It means tool-free installation, universal cable compatibility, and, crucially, adjustability. So, if something isn’t quite right, it can be corrected easily, without being torn down and reinstalled.
Another handy feature is that inspection windows allow engineers to check installations from ground-level, and a no-weld design improves product durability in those more challenging rail environments. Plus, contractors can shorten project timeframes with faster installation, making them more competitive by reducing labour costs.”
The SwiftLine Forked Collar recently gained coveted Network Rail approval. “It’s the ultimate seal of approval, and this marks the third product in the SwiftLine range to receive such an endorsement,” beams Glenn.
But while this is a significant milestone for Gripple and a step forward for the industry, let’s take a look at the wider picture…
The SwiftLine range
Paul explains: “With the Forked Collar joining our existing SwiftLine Rail Dropper and SwiftLine Rail Jumper, we now offer a fully integrated suite of products providing OLE engineers with everything they need to simplify workflows, boost safety, save time and money, and meet the ultimate goal: accelerating rail electrification efforts.
“Gripple is proud to be the only manufacturer offering a complete, start-to-end solution for OLE installation,” adds Glenn. “While there’s no shortage of players in the industry, there has been a lack of cohesive solutions where all products work together seamlessly and are available from one trusted supplier – especially one who is UK-based, manufacturing all components in-house.”
Designed with OLE engineers in mind
“Each SwiftLine product has been meticulously designed in consultation with OLE engineers who are out in the field every day battling time pressures, tight budgets, and unpredictable weather conditions,” explains Paul.
“From speaking with engineers, project managers, and rail teams across the country, it’s clear there is a strong appetite for change – but only if that change makes things genuinely easier on site. They want and need straightforward answers to complex problems.
“In a typical installation, engineers often juggle several tools, adjusters, and fixing systems that don’t always integrate smoothly. That means more time on site and more room for error. But the SwiftLine range offers engineers a cohesive system. This is what’s needed to deliver projects efficiently, safely, and to a high standard.”
“What sets our solutions apart are their universal compatibility and tool-free installation, ensuring streamlined installation on every project, every time,” shares Glenn. “Due to its ease of use, minimal training is required, so even when skills gaps and labour shortages arise, projects won’t need to come to a halt.”
Real-world impact
The SwiftLine range is already having a huge impact on electrification projects across the UK.
One such example is Busby Junction in Glasgow where the team faced a tight 72-hour possession window to replace droppers and adjust the catenary height. Using traditional methods, this would have been a complex, time-consuming process. Gripple’s SwiftLine Rail Dropper enabled the team to complete the installation quickly, even in cold and wet conditions, eliminating the need for cutting, crimping, or on site fixes.
Its pre-assembled, fully adjustable design meant the team could adapt the droppers to the as-built track position with ease. Furthermore, the quarter-turn catenary fixing and auto torque contact wire clamp ensured accuracy and consistency, eliminating installation errors. Alan Kennedy, head of engineering at SPL Powerlines, described SwiftLine Rail Dropper as a “real game-changer” in terms of ease of use and safety.
Similarly, while working alongside REL, which forms a part of the QTS Group, and Network Rail, Gripple supported the delivery of a successful structure repair in Tamworth. With tight deadlines to avoid train delays, the installation team didn’t get chance to take exact measurements of the droppers before the job. That’s where SwiftLine Rail Dropper really proved its worth as its adjustability made the installation quick and hassle-free.
Ross Dickson, OLE project manager at QTS Group, commented on the project: “Had we not had flexibility in the droppers, we would need to renew the droppers on the final shift, which ultimately could have ended in the first train being delayed.”
Sustainability in rail
“Beyond the more obvious benefits like safety and efficiency, our SwiftLine range supports long-term sustainability goals too,” remarks Paul. “The push for full electrification by 2050 goes hand-in-hand with the drive to reach net zero. That’s why all SwiftLine products are fully adjustable and reusable. They can be relocated and reinstalled without the need for new materials, helping reduce waste and costs while aligning with sustainability initiatives.
The industry’s future
“Gripple’s role goes beyond just manufacturing and supplying components,” Glenn notes. “It’s about being an active part of the rail evolution in the UK and globally. Our SwiftLine range can make a real difference in the industry; taking the time, cost, and stress out of OLE installation for the engineers out in the field.”
Paul concludes: “There’s still a lot of ground to cover to reach 2050 electrification targets. But, as the only supplier offering a fully integrated, Network Rail-approved system for OLE, we’re proud to support engineers in delivering their work faster, more safely, and with fewer unknowns, ultimately shaping the future of rail.”
For more information visit: www.gripple.com/rail
Image credit: Gripple