Stories

Enduring product design: GRP Cabinets for Bane NOR

industry:
Infrastructure

In 1988, a groundbreaking development project began between Norges Statsbaner (now known as Bane NOR) and Spilka Composites. This collaboration resulted in what we now know as GRP cabinets from Spilka Composites. More than 30 years later, these cabinets remain a standard along Norwegian railways, a testament to excellent and enduring product design.

Recently, a new contract was signed between Spilka Composites and Bane NOR for the next eight years, underscoring the unmatched quality and reliability of these cabinets.

History and development

The first apparatus cabinets were developed to meet the needs of NSB, which later became Bane NOR. With a focus on corrosion resistance and durability, the cabinets were made of glass fiber reinforced plastic (GRP). This material has proven ideal for Norwegian climate conditions, ensuring the cabinets' longevity.

Spilka Composites has produced these cabinets with high precision and adaptability, and the standard size of 1200x600x2300 mm has been tailored to various requirements. Doors can be delivered either in standard format or the full height of the cabinet, and the interior can be customized for easy installation of electrical, signal, or gas solutions.

New contract for the future

The recently signed contract between Spilka Composites and Bane NOR marks a renewal of trust inthe apparatus cabinets. This contract ensures the production and delivery ofthe cabinets for another eight years, reaffirming that the product design established in the late 1980s remains relevant and effective. In other words, this is a testament to how good product design can withstand the test of time. The new contract emphasizes the value and reliability of the cabinets and illustrates how collaboration and innovation can lead to sustainable solutions. With over three decades of use along Norwegian railways, these cabinets continue to be a crucial component of the infrastructure, and their future looks promising with renewed trust and ongoing improvements.