It is approaching a year since the Concrete Sleeper Factory in Abu Ghraib re-opened after an extensive rehabilitation programme carried out by Al-Burhan Group (ABG). Our company has undertaken the task to supply ‘pre-stressed mono-block concrete sleepers’ to Iraqi Republic Railways (IRR) for their network maintenance and expansions plans. The management of the factory have ambitious plans to expand the manufacturing of sleepers significantly. Production levels at the factory after opening quickly reached over 1,400 sleepers per day with an aim to double production levels to meet the demands of IRR.

IRR has recently announced a requirement for 14 million sleepers to help expand Iraq’s national rail network for both passenger and cargo transportation. ABG is currently half-way through the production of a 300,000 sleeper contract which will be supplied with Pandrol (UK) Fast-clips. IRR have also awarded ABG with a contract to supply 60,000 sleepers by 2011. In addition; a recent agreement will see ABG deliver an additional 350,000 sleepers by 2012 (300,000 w/Fast-clips & 50,000 sleepers w/PR607 for maintenance of existing lines). ABG is committed to meeting these requirements as quickly as possible therefore daily production capacity at the plant is to be doubled imminently.

PUK, incidentally, has been awarded in the International Trade category of the Queen’s Awards for 2011. PUK had to show a considerable and continual rise in export income over three successive 12-month periods. The decisive factor was to achieve an exceptional sales level; both for the products and services concerned and for the size of the company. PUK has experienced record growth and earnings in recent times due to massive investment in rail transportation around the world.

Currently the factory comprises of one primary production theatre capable of producing 42,000 sleepers per month. However; plans are now firmly in place to expand production to over 84,000 sleepers per month (2,800/day). A new set of casting moulds have already been transported to the factory are waiting for configuration. In addition the factory has taken delivery of a new set of sleeper production machines which include: a casting machine, de-moulding crane, strand delivery system and tensioning jacks. These additional moulds and machines will allow production to increase dramatically; allowing ABG to meet the increased demands of IRR as Iraq embarks on a massive network upgrade. In addition the factory has taken delivery of new lathes, drills and grinding machines allowing vital machinery maintenance to be carried out on-site quickly and efficiently. Overall 2011 is going to be an exceptionally busy time period for the factory as staff prepare for the increasing production output.