Axelent supplies safety and infrastructure products for Mechelen SNCB workshop

From machine guards and mesh wall systems to cable management systems, Sweden's Axelent is a trusted safety partner for numerous companies. The previous edition of this trade magazine (May-June 2024) highlighted Axelent's wide range of safety solutions. Today we discover what this looks like in practice, at the NMBS workshop in Mechelen. 

"The cooperation with SNCB has been ongoing for several years," said Tim Van Gestel, key account manager at Axelent. "In the past, we already realized several successful projects for them. Thanks to this long-term relationship and proven track record, Axelent was once again approached to supply and install safety and infrastructure products - in the workshops in Mechelen this time."

Proven track record

Why did SNCB choose Axelent's products and services? Tim explains, "The quality of our products was obviously one of the deciding factors. Axelent is known for its high-quality and durable safety solutions, essential for the demanding environment of railroad workshops. Our reliability was also a deciding factor. We have a proven track record of providing reliable products and services, which is crucial for continuous operational efficiency. Another important element is innovation. Among other things, we offer X-Guard machine guards and X-Protect collision guards, both innovative solutions that increase safety without reducing efficiency. Finally, there were also the positive experiences from previous projects."

Specific safety solutions

In the Mechelen NMBS workshop, the Axelent team came into action to install specific safety solutions. Tim: "With X-Protect crash protection, we guarantee protection against damage from vehicles and machines. Furthermore, X-Tray cable trays are indispensable for safely organizing and protecting cables, which is crucial for preventing accidents and breakdowns. Finally, we also supplied the modular machine guards from X-Guard. They ensure safety around the high-voltage test cells."

Technical challenges

During installation, the Axelent team had to overcome some technical challenges. "The placement of the X-Protect guards had to be as precise as possible so that flow in the workspace would not be impeded," Tim points out. "When installing the X-Tray cable trays, they had to be adapted to the specific infrastructure of the workshop, including height differences and other obstacles. And the X-Guard machine fencing had to be maximally integrated into the workspace, including the installation of special access doors and emergency exit doors."

Unique strengths per application

What key strength does Tim see per application used? "With X-Protect, we offer our customers the opportunity to combine easy installation with flexible expansion options and seamless integration with existing systems. In turn, X-Tray is perfectly suited for integration with Axelent's X-Guard machine protection. Installation can be done simply with standard tools without sacrificing quality. And X-Guard complies with the 2006/42/EC Machinery Directive, with extensive options and accessories to meet the most demanding safety standards and operational needs."

Proud of final result

Tim and his Axelent colleagues are proud of the final result in the Mechelen SNCB workshop. "Thanks to our solutions, the customer has a safe workspace for staff, visitors and equipment," Tim confirms. "In total, we supplied 620 components, not including fasteners. With 40 running meters of collision protection, 130 running meters of cable trays and 87 meters of fencing - spread over an area of some 220 square meters - this was an ambitious safety project that we finished successfully."