OREANDA-NEWS. SSE has significantly expanded its capability in the rail sector with the creation of a dedicated new business division.

The newly formed rail business falls within SSE Enterprise, the company’s business services arm. SSE Enterprise Rail has been formed with the primary purpose of ‘Powering Britain’s Railways’ and signals the company’s increasing focus in the rail sector, building on the extensive experience and expertise SSE has built up in rail over the last 15 years.

Within that time the company has serviced a wide variety of rail industry clients through an extensive national network of depots, completing fixed price contracts and projects. With the significant advantage of being part of SSE Enterprise, the new rail business has the funding, the asset management understanding and a skilled workforce of more than 3,000 people to draw upon to support the rail industry in the delivery of electrification and power utilisation projects.

SSE Enterprise Rail, with expertise ranging from in-house design and commissioning capability to delivery and project close-out, can already list some of the industry leaders amongst its clients, including Network Rail, East Midlands Trains, First Great Western and South West Trains.

Heading up the newly formed rail business is Managing Director Raj Sinha, who has held senior positions with some of the rail industry’s biggest names on some of the UK’s most challenging projects. He said: “Our ambition is to become the rail industry’s power partner of choice. I am confident that SSE can offer compelling propositions to the sector, particularly through innovative and collaborative ways of powering and funding major projects.”

Jim McPhillimy, Managing Director of SSE Enterprise, said: “The timing is right for SSE to expand its capabilities in the rail sector and become a key provider of holistic electrification, power and mechanical and electrical services throughout the railway industry, fully capitalising on its strong partnerships.

“The appointment of Raj, with his highly distinguished track record in the industry, is a huge boost for SSE Enterprise Rail. His expertise in rail engineering stands against the best in the business and his work has been recognised through numerous industry awards and we are really excited about the opportunities that lie ahead. With Raj at the helm, SSE Enterprise Rail represents the new alternative in the industry.”