Westcode keeps New Jersey Transit moving forward

A team from Westcode, a Unipart Rail company, were awarded a Mark in Action in 2023 after overcoming considerable challenges to complete a contract for New Jersey transit, which exceeded expectations and delivered a 12% reduction in planned costs.

The contract required Westcode to overhaul 380 Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) units for New Jersey Transit's (NJ Transit) Comet V fleet. The age and condition of these units created a number of challenges, including the procurement of replacement materials and vehicle integration. The availability of various materials also created delays in the mobilisation of the overhaul process, including internal qualification testing.

Despite these challenges the team worked long hours, often during unforgiving winter conditions that affected access to vital sites, and demonstrated The Unipart Way traits of resilience and determination to serve the customer.

The team managed to complete the overhauling of the HVAC units on time and within the project parameters, permitting NJ Transit to schedule and conduct the First Article Inspection (FAI) at Westcode. This inspection, along with the engineering test efforts, ensured that the HVAC units would properly integrate onto the vehicles.

Watch Steve Scriven in the video below explain the reasons for the nomination.

Paul Widdowson, President of Westcode, explained: “It should be emphasised that despite the challenges of the project, the quality of the HVAC units was exceptional during the FAI and no issues or comments were identified by New Jersey Transit. Without the team’s efforts, Westcode’s reputation could have been negatively affected.”

Douglas Eaton, Director of Engineering, added: “Being part of this incredible team and applying my industry experience as a member of the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) was extremely fulfilling knowing that Westcode’s products are positively moving the transit industry forward.”

The Unipart Way was applied such that Westcode and Unipart Rail were able to benefit in a number of ways. Firstly, it has increased the reputation with the customer. Westcode’s exceeding of expectations throughout delivery and on-vehicle testing of the HVAC units has shown Unipart employees will go above and beyond to understand the real and perceived needs of the customer better than anyone else.

Secondly, NJ Transit has requested Westcode to quote additional Temperature Control Units (TCUs) for a different vehicle class of their overall fleet, which will enable Unipart to develop this relationship further.

Thirdly, this project has provided the foundation to grow Westcode’s HVAC overhaul proposition, and resulted in an excellent case study.

Congratulations to General Manager Keith Ferko, Director of Engineering Douglas Eaton, Mechanical Engineer Nicholas Depofi, Materials Manager Erica Reagan, Production Technician James Shimer, and Production Technician Keith Jones.

The full Mark in Action ceremony from September 2023 is available to watch with this video link.

To nominate a Unipart employee or team for a Mark in Action award click here.