In March 2024, Tidyco was appointed by Porterbrook Leasing with a contract for the overhaul and refurbishment of approximately 444 cab and saloon HVAC modules. The modules are all part of the Class 170 Turbostar fleets, operated by East Midlands Trains and Cross Country. The project is expected to last roughly two and a half years.
Owing to Tidyco’s previous, extensive HVAC experience; Porterbrook and Tidyco worked together to develop a bespoke overhaul scope, incorporating a variety of key critical elements, such as: replacing all necessary components, fully overhauling fans and carrying out thorough testing before delivery to the customer.
Being both Derby-based businesses, this agreement really does bolster the importance of the strategic decision to locate Great British Railways in the city. Such a decision comes with a number of other benefits, insofar that it is not only good for local economy by providing jobs for the community but also continuing to assert Derby as the rail centre of the UK.
The Class 170 “Turbostars” are the work horses of the UK rail industry. First developed by ADtranz (then Bombardier) at Litchurch Lane in Derby, the original fleet came into service in 1999 for CrossCountry and East Midlands Railway.
Paul Jacks, Rail Division Director at Tidyco said this: “Tidyco has put a tremendous amount of effort into establishing itself as a key player in the Rail overhaul sector and Porterbrook’s decision to engage Tidyco is a testament to that.
Guy Heywood, Head of Procurement at Porterbrook had this to say: “Part of the appeal of working with TidyCo was its flexibility and adaptiveness. We saw how they could help us, and both companies being based in Derby meant that problems were easier to address, and processes could be streamlined quickly and efficiently.”
For more information about the Tidyco Rail division, please visit www.tidyco.co.uk/divisions/rail
Pictured is a Class 170 train in the Cross Country livery
