Leading polymer component manufacturer Icon Polymer has started production on new inter-carriage gap protectors for trains on the London Underground.

The contract, from train manufacturer Bombardier, will supply gap protectors, used to prevent passengers slipping between carriages, for 376 new carriages on a total of 47 trains which will run on the Victoria line.

Retford-based Icon Polymer has a long track record in producing high-performance, safety-critical components and was able to develop a gap protector which met the demands of products for the London Underground, including low flammability, low smoke and low toxicity. Director of sales John Greaves said: “These third-generation gap protectors were developed specifically to meet the needs of the London Underground and feature inner and outer barriers. Our years of experience in other products for the rail market enabled us to meet the safety-critical standards.” Icon Polymer has previous produced components used on the Northern and Jubilee lines.

The new trains will start to enter service this spring, with the contract complete by early 2011.

Icon Polymer is also producing suspension components for First Great Western’s mainline intercity trains as part of a major refurbishment programme being carried out over five years. These are manufactured by sister company, Silentbloc Ltd, which supplies mechanical-engineered suspension systems and anti-vibration components for the rail sector.  Its products are specified for both primary and secondary suspension systems on locomotives, high-speed intercity and regional passenger trains and modern light rail systems, such as the Eurotram. The Group was awarded the GM/RT 2450 quality standard for suppliers to the rail industry last year.

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For further information, please contact John Greaves, Director of Sales, Icon Polymer Group, on 01777 714300 or Sara Lamper at Sara Lamper PR on 01423 701147.