Established in 2007, Metrail initially focused on concrete and brickwork repair, primarily within London Underground projects. As the company’s reputation for reliability grew, MD Martyn Sherwood sought to expand its scope, leveraging his two decades of hands-on experience in the highways sector, particularly in waterproofing and expansion joint services.
Nominated Contractor for market leading products
Today, Metrail holds nominated contractor status from GCP (formerly Stirling Lloyd) for the installation of their market-leading waterproofing and expansion joint products. Similar status has also been achieved from other product suppliers. The Metrail strategy revolves around further growth as a premier specialist contractor in concrete repair, waterproofing, and joint installation across the UK. This strategy has been recently extended to encompass the concrete road slab stabilisation market.
Metrail’s Tier1 Status Initiates Cultural Transformation
A shift in business culture arose from securing Tier1 status with National Highways as a nominated supplier of waterproofing and joints on the Scheme Delivery Framework (SDF). Metrail’s designation spans four National Highways Areas for a five-year term, often leading as Principal Contractor, orchestrating various subcontractors. These areas encompass the entire country, managed from our Metrail’s offices in Yorkshire and Sussex.
Metrail proudly stands as one of the UK’s leading specialist suppliers of waterproofing and expansion joint services. Martyn commented that Metrail “has adapted successfully to cope with this growth and manage a change in culture in the business,” a feat that Martyn openly acknowledges posed its challenges – “we have teams out on site working across the country on most days and nights of the year for National Highways, and on many of these assignments, we act as the Principal Contractor.”
Bridging Excellence
Martyn also takes pride in Metrail’s contributions to signature bridges over the River Thames in London, which include Putney Bridge, London Bridge, and Kew Bridge. Metrail’s key role in the recent refurbishment of Rochester Bridge in Kent, a complex project involving a heritage structure, stands as a testament to its versatile capabilities.
Early Contractor Involvement Drives Innovation in Construction and Maintenance
Martyn strongly advocates for Early Contractor Involvement to introduce innovation and modern construction techniques on projects. An illustrative instance is the introduction of a new product/service to the highways market – concrete slab stabilisation utilising Minova’s cutting-edge resin technology.
Managing Director Martyn Sherwood expressed his aspirations, saying,
“I am ambitious for the business to become the go-to entity in the sector for technical expertise, dependable delivery, and unparalleled quality in the UK.”
This vision encapsulates Metrail’s dedication to evolving as an industry leader while upholding its commitment to excellence.
