Testing fabric protection solutions

TBM’s new Fibre ProTector solution has been a revelation at the Crewe depot. We have been testing it and protecting every fabric surface we can find. Here’s what we’ve been up to…

We’re well known for helping train fleets keep seat covers clean. We’ve been doing it for over a decade – and you probably saw The TBM 10-year celebrations in September, balloons, cakes and all.

The team at Crewe often reflects on the vast number of seat covers that we clean, repair and replace. Since 2009, the running total is now more that 400,000 covers that have been cleaned and returned to service for train operators.

That kind of pedigree means we’re doing something right. Customers love what we do, the quality service we deliver, the pricing and quick turnaround.

When we clean those covers, it involves assessing damage and spillages, removing excess dirt, brushing and blasting particles clear, before dry-cleaning them in our specialist machines, checking for quality and then packing.

Getting more from fabrics

For some time we have wondered how we could offer our customers more. When we discovered Fibre ProTector, we loved the idea of prolonging the life of materials – and being able to prevent messy stains.

And let’s face it, every mode of transport, most business workshops and offices encounter spills most weeks!

So the testing began.

We started with a range of seat fabrics that we have cleaned for several years. We threw coffee, tea, juice, wine and fizzy pop at them.

Then some bright spark in the office suggested testing the new solution on the TBM welcome mat. That’s all well and good, but we’re talking about a cream-coloured mat with our logo on it. That’s another issue – whoever ordered that colour!

Still, after some training and testing, every piece of seat covering, carpet and mat survived whatever we chucked at them. Even the cream welcome mat!

Fiber ProTector adds an invisible coating to individual fibres. It creates a breathable barrier that stops fluids and dirt particles penetrating materials without changing look or feel.

Rail partnerships mean cost savings

We think working closely with other experts is important. It’s enables you to work with tried and tested products that are effective. That’s why we have partnered Fiber ProTector Norge AS to offer UK rail fleets a solution that gets results and saves money.

When professionally applied, the product offers an effective shield against oil and water-based stains. Daily cleaning is more effective, and the solution gives an environmentally friendly way to remove spills using only warm water and a microfiber cloth.

Ultimately, this adds years to the life to seating and floor coverings.

We all look to keep costs down. We all want to cut out waste, protect the environment and offer our customers the best possible services.

Talk to us about extending the life of seat fabrics, coverings, carpets and more. Chances are, we’ve tested it back at the TBM depot!

Get in touch with the team for a demo and pricing: call 0844 800 8577 or email enquiries@tbmrail.com

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Tank cleaning when you need it

TBM’s range of powerful cleaning machinery means we can service CET tanks and freshwater tanks at customer depots or in Crewe.

Recent investment at TBM has seen the range of high-tech machinery increase considerably. Also, training of skilled staff is ongoing to keep our experienced teams ready for every challenge.

Keeping storage tanks in good working order makes sense. Ultimately, it’s about providing the best possible facilities for passengers. That, in turn, reflects well on the train operator.

Twice each year, the National Rail Passenger Survey gives the public chance to deliver a verdict on the operators across the UK network. Although train times and ticket pricing dominates the conversation, increasingly carriage standards matter.

TBM gives train operators the means to deliver cleanliness, hygiene and efficiency so that paying customers have access to the facilities they need.

Properly maintaining train toilets, the pipes and operating systems helps to keep these vital services open. TBM has ten years’ experience supporting TOCs to keep standards high.

Don’t risk freshwater safety

Each day, train passengers expect to enjoy safe and hygienic services. That’s certainly true when they use buffet facilities and washrooms. Those water sources come from tanks that can be exposed to bacteria.

We stop germs in their tracks.

To help operators, TBM runs tank cleaning services specifically designed for freshwater sources. These storage units need to be flushed through, cleaned with safe and approved solutions. This stops bacteria spreading and prevents Legionnaires.

Engaging TBM’s comprehensive cleaning and testing service can form part of any fleet’s strategy to keep its facilities free from disease and safe to use.

Maintain tanks from the start

Toilet tanks that are left unattended for years will always fail at some point. Unwanted build-ups eventually block pipes and clog up tanks. Simply flushing through with water at depots doesn’t resolve things. Tanks remain unusable.

TBM’s heavy-duty cleaning machinery and approved solutions can remedy the situation, but tanks are taken out of service while they are cleaned. This can be avoided.

The most proactive fleet operators schedule tank maintenance when new trains are introduced to service. This isn’t over the top. Regular cleans keep tanks and associated systems in excellent working order.

The same is true for freshwater systems – keep standards high from day one of service.

The result: the life of tanks is prolonged, passengers enjoy more reliable services and those NRPS scores make better reading.

TBM’s team of technicians can visit rail depots anywhere in the UK. We assess the condition of tanks and pipes, make recommendations and offer the best cleaning and maintenance schedule to move things forward.

We offer a flexible approach, either shipping tanks to our Crewe base or taking our mobile cleaning units to maintenance facilities when trains have been taken out of service.

We provide a service that works best for your fleet.

Want to know more? Get in touch with the TBM team on 0844 800 8577 or email enquiries@tbmrail.com to start the conversation.

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Seat cover protection

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As well-established passenger comfort specialists, TBM offers rail companies a range of services to keep vehicles looking their best. We have now taken our seat cover protection services to new levels.

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