At a time when the UK’s rail infrastructure is under increasing pressure to modernise, innovate, and deliver value for money, Network Rail requires partners who don’t just meet expectations… they exceed them. That’s where Protrade come in.
Established over fifty years ago, Protrade are an approved Network Rail supplier that work closely with various Network Rail depots on projects such as dust management and hand-arm vibration reduction, whilst continually searching for performance improvements when using professional power tools and accessories.
Supporting the UK rail sector has highlighted that many traditional Network Rail suppliers appear to have become complacent, with little or no proactivity towards finding products and processes that deliver faster and safer working practices. Protrade are able to offer site visits, utilising our national external representatives, as well as working alongside manufacturers technical support – particularly with the Milwaukee JSS Jobsite Specialists’ Team. Our approach is to identify problems and areas of improvement to put forward possible time and money saving solutions.
Key Protrade Brands for Rail
Protrade is an Authorised distributor for key brands recognised and approved by Network Rail
At Protrade, we believe a true supply partner involves knowing the products we offer in detail via in-depth product training, and a commitment to holding significant stock to satisfy nationwide order requirements. Stockholding currently sits at circa. £4M, facilitating our standard next-day delivery service. With the inevitability that industrial power tools are going to require servicing, all equipment is supported by our own dedicated in-house manufacturer approved repair centre.
It’s important to Protrade that our designated supply partners are aligned with our vision of supplying high quality industrial rated tools, equipment and accessories that meet the requirements of Network Rails demanding and varied environments. We are an authorised dealer for many key brands including Milwaukee, Husqvarna, Fein, Makita, Armorgard, Optrel, 3M™, Klingspor, HMT Holemaker Technology, Wera and Toughbuilt to name just a few.
Service is paramount to support 24/7 maintenance of the UK rail network
Often underappreciated, it takes immense effort from the Network Rail team, to keep our rail infrastructure running day in and day out. To support their endeavours, Protrade ensure all enquiries are responded to promptly and accurately. Orders received are expedited immediately. A unique and invaluable aspect of our power tool offering to Network Rail, is to pre-register all power tool serial numbers prior to despatch.
We understand that logging warranties is a laborious task, which is often neglected or overlooked in larger organisations, who simply want to take delivery and use the tools as quickly as possible. Unfortunately, failure to register brand new tools significantly reduces the warranty period to a meagre single year, when up to three years are available. This additional free-of-charge service provided by Protrade, ensures all warranty periods are maximised, and every purchase is recorded and stored, negating the painstaking requirement to dig out warranty certification and original proof of purchase paperwork. This has proven to significantly reduce tool repair bills, enabling Network Rail to dedicate more of their tool budget on new equipment.
Protrade exclusive warranty on Milwaukee power tools
No other UK Milwaukee distributor offers the same unique warranty periods for M12 and M18 power tools as Protrade.
1 year on power tools, batteries & chargers.
3 years on power tools, 2 years on batteries & 1 year on chargers.
3 years on power tools, 3 years on batteries & 3 years on chargers.
The Protrade exclusive warranty is supplied as standard, with no requirement for Network Rail to go through the rigmarole of registering tools… Protrade do it for you!
Three years on all component parts means purchasing Milwaukee power tools from Protrade gives you peace of mind… a whole extra years’ worth for batteries and two extra years on chargers. Let’s face it, if batteries or chargers are going to fail, it’s more likely to be in year three!
Maximising safety without compromising performance
Safety isn’t just a priority, it’s non-negotiable. Our products and processes are fully aligned with Network Rail’s rigorous safety standards, and we invest heavily in training, technology, and a culture to ensure every solution is delivered with zero compromise. From efficient dust management and control to monitoring and reducing hand-arm vibration, Protrade have invested time and resource in establishing and sharing safer and better ways.
There are alternatives to hiring tools and equipment
When we hear of Network Rail depots hiring tools, we often ask the question… ‘do you really have to’? Having retired our own hire fleet some time ago, Protrade have a proven track record in replacing hire equipment with brand new equipment for the following reasons:
Tool Leasing
Comparable to Hilti Fleet Management, Protrade also offers tool leasing solutions. HireBuy+ is a complete tool management and maintenance programme for a fixed budget cost… with no unforeseen charges and an option to keep the tools at the end of the lease period.
Commercial viability
Why rent second-hand tools when you can own them? With a three-year warranty on brand-new tools, repair costs are highly unlikely for at least 36 months. Purchasing tools outright nearly always makes financial sense, compared to longer contractual hire periods.
Compromised safety and reliability
Not only do new tools optimise performance, but they also exhibit lower vibration magnitudes and greater reliability levels, as they simply have less worn parts and are less likely to breakdown on site.
Brand new tools
Instead of working with tired hire equipment, why not use brand new power tools that have been approved and tested by Network Rail and feature the latest and safest technology.
Loss and damage risks
Hire companies are synonymous with elevated charges resulting from lost component parts and ‘wilful’ damage upon return of hire fleet.
Service intervals
With our in-house repair centre, Protrade can work to the required service schedule Network Rail stipulate.
Wider choice of tools
Don’t settle for what the hire company has on their fleet. Select the tools you need to get the job done.
Let’s Build the Future of Rail… Together
Network Rail’s mission is ambitious, and rightly so. To achieve it, supply partners need to be agile, accountable, and aligned with the vision. As an Approved Network Rail Supplier, Protrade is already working with various Network Rail Depots.
For more information about what Protrade can offer your specific depot or hub, please fill out the form below and we’ll be in contact.
