Supporting the Rail Sector
As the UK continues to invest in a safer, greener, and more efficient rail network, the demand for high-quality, durable materials and reliable supply chain partners has never been greater. At ASD, we’re proud to support the rail industry sustainable development with a comprehensive range of metal solutions, processing services, and project expertise that help drive progress across infrastructure, electrification, rolling stock, and station development.
Rail Industry Product Range
We supply an extensive range of metals and composite materials tailored to the demands of the rail industry. From major infrastructure works to electrification and station upgrades, Our metal solutions are designed to meet the demands of every stage of a rail project.
Here’s a closer look at the core materials and how they’re commonly applied across rail projects:
Carbon Steel (long and flat): We stock a comprehensive range of carbon steel structural & hollow sections, offering the strength and versatility required for a wide variety of rail applications.
Our structural range includes universal beams, universal columns, rolled steel angles in both equal and unequal profiles, and parallel flange channels. In addition, we supply a full selection of IPE, IPN, UPE, UPN, HEA, HEB, and HEM continental sections in grade S355J2.
Furthermore our hot and cold formed hollow sections are available in S355J2H CF and S355J2H HF.
COR-TEN® Weathering Steel: We supply COR-TEN® weathering steel to EN 10025-5, a durable and low-maintenance material known for its rust-like appearance and long-term resilience. Available in plate form, our weathering steel meets the performance and aesthetic requirements of modern rail projects.
Stainless Steel: We supply sheets, plates, extrusions, tubes, sections, and merchant bars – commonly used in infrastructure, stations, and rolling stock. We also offer Duplex stainless steel products (in acc. To Norsok) for customers in the rail industry.
Aluminium: Available as sheets, extrusions, tubes, sections, and merchant bars – this lightweight yet strong material is used extensively in stations, electrification, and rolling stock.
Aluminium Composite Panels (Alucore®): Used primarily in rolling stock and stations projects (partitions, roofing and cladding), Alucore® is valued for its light weight, strength, and suitability for various applications.
Signage Products: We offer a wide variety of signage materials – including sheets, posts, fixtures, and fittings – used across infrastructure, stations, and electrification schemes. Clear and effective signage plays a crucial role in communication, particularly when it comes to ensuring safety and highlighting potential hazards.
Processing Services for the Rail Industry
We offer a full suite of in-house processing services to provide you with ready-to-use materials that fit your exact requirements. These include:
- Tube Laser Cutting
- Flat Laser Cutting
- Water Jet Cutting
- Profiling
- Section Rolling
- Flow Drilling
- Forming & Bending
- Shot Blasting & Painting
- Decoiling to Length (Steel & Aluminium)
- Drilling & Sawing
- Routing
By delivering these services in-house, we ensure better quality control, faster turnaround times, and full traceability across every order.
We’re also proud to hold key industry certifications, including ISO 9001, 14000 and 45001 as well as BSI BES 6001, CE marking and RISQS accreditation. These reflect our ongoing commitment to quality, sustainability, and safety across all our operations.
What makes ASD different?
We’re one of the few UK suppliers able to offer a complete in-house solution – from sourcing and processing to logistics and support. Our rail customers benefit from:
• Project & Integrated Supply Chain Management
• Tailored Stock Programs
• Full Certification & Material Traceability
• Technical Advice & Support
What sets us apart even further is our ability to leverage mills within our group for the production of plates and hollow sections. This allows us to supply both standard and custom materials, helping customers reduce waste, lower emissions, and meet sustainability targets. This unique capability gives our rail customers greater quality assurance, reliability, and transparency throughout the every stage of the supply chain.
Looking for a reliable metal supply partner for your next rail project? Get in touch with the ASD team to see how we can support your projects.
Related article:
Building Railways of the future: ASD’s role in Modern Rail Infrastructure