Today, HRS is a major supplier of glued insulated railway joints (IBJs). We also provide highly specialised rail processing services, including rail bending and twisting, specifically for the switches and crossings market. Other services include supplying track components for mainline and heritage rail.
Our team possess in-depth, multi-disciplinary experience, as well as a profound passion for developing the best products on the market.
Starting his career with Hird Rail Services (HRS) in 2015, Joe has covered a wide array of operational and commercial duties within the business. He has worked on everything from order processing, import and export, quality and environment, through to product development, tendering and contracts. Whilst working for Hird Rail Services, Joe has studied a MSc in Project Management, allowing him to combine his practical experience with a theoretical understanding.
Lee started working for Hird Rail Services in 1989 at the age of 16, and has been truly bitten by the railway bug. Throughout his service, he has gained an incredible amount of railway knowledge, from working on track, to manufacturing, and now working in the office. Lee is the production manager for Hird Rail Services, where he is responsible for managing all manufacturing activities on-site, whilst working closely with our customers to ensure that all orders are manufactured and supplied on time and in full. This is achieved through detailed planning and resource management. Lee is the main point of contact for quotations, as his vast industry experience allows him to work closely with customers to understand their needs and requirements, offering a great level of support from quotation through to delivery.
Matthew began working within the HIRD Group in 2016. Starting out at Trough-Tec Systems, before moving to HIRD Rail Services in 2019. Matthew gained experience and technical understanding whilst working within the yard, primarily processing work instructions for twisting, curving and cutting of rail. Matthew now works as the Contracts & Quality Manager. His main duties include managing site Health and Safety, as well as our Quality and Environmental management systems. With awards in ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and audit training, Matt helps continuously improve HRS’ management systems, ensuring world-class products and services are provided to all customers. He is certified to use CAD software, which allows his technical knowledge and understanding to help with problem solving.
Heather started working for HIRD Rail Services in 2023. Heather joined the team having previously worked as a Team Leader for one of the UK’s biggest wildlife parks. Heather’s main duties include the processing of new orders, along with ensuring customers receive their existing orders on-time and in full. Heather is responsible for ordering and managing stock levels, working closely with all members of the site to ensure that they play an integral part in the day-to-day running of the business, in addition to offering support to all members and assisting with any additional project work as required.
Lewis began working for HIRD Rail Services in 2013 and is now the External Manufacture Lead. Working closely with the Production Manager, Lewis is responsible for overseeing all yard activities, ensuring that tasks are completed safely and to the highest quality. Working to a high level of accuracy, Lewis is the main operative for all cutting, twisting and curving activities on site. His experience allows HIRD Rail Services to process a vast range of requirements customers may have.
Dean started working for HIRD Rail Services in 2004, where he began working on the yard, before moving to the IBJ Production Factory. In 2014, Dean was promoted to Factory Manager. Dean works closely with the Production Manager to manufacture IBJs to a world-class standard, whilst meeting customer requirements and deadlines. Dean is responsible for overseeing the production and electrical testing of IBJs, to ensure all rails meet strict specifications. Dean’s duties also include administration, where he is responsible for stock control, processing of production and logging test results. Dean has great mechanical and technical knowledge, which allows him to carry out on-site maintenance to equipment and tooling.
Mel heads up the finance department, overseeing a team of four and playing an important role in the Group’s day-to-day financial operations. In addition to supervising the finance staff, she advises the directors on business performance, supervises budget preparation, cost modelling, ensures proper controls are in place, and analyses financial statements. Other responsibilities include overseeing import and export documentation, monitoring and improving the Group’s carbon footprint, and acting as the GDPR Lead. Mel joined the Hird Group in 2017 as the Group Accountant, having previously worked in a finance capacity in the manufacturing industry for both LTDs and PLCs.
