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Newton-le-Willows based Speedy - the UK's largest equipment and support services provider - has facilitated Network Rail's purchase of £6m of rail-specific plant equipment as part of its fleet management agreement.

The agreement covers asset management of over 20,000 pieces of equipment, round the clock technical and emergency service as well as equipment consultancy and sourcing.

As part of the new asset management arrangements, Network Rail has recently sourced over 5,500 items of rail specific small plant equipment.

Steve Featherstone, director of infrastructure maintenance at Network Rail, said: "This partnership with Speedy provides our maintenance teams with consistent high standards in equipment.

"As well as sourcing, servicing and maintaining our equipment through its seven dedicated rail depots, Speedy also provides us with on-site maintenance, equipment familiarisation and training. These arrangements enable our front-line staff to have access to the latest equipment, and this substantial investment demonstrates our commitment to delivering a seven day railway".

Dil Masters, director of rail at Speedy said: "Our dedicated rail team works closely with Network Rail to ensure that we support them effectively across its nationwide maintenance delivery units.

We are committed to working with our customers as an integrated supply chain partner, providing a range of services. We supply Network Rail with valuable management information, product training, 24/7 emergency and technical cover and asset tracking through radio frequency identification