Pandrol China, i+weld & China Railway: Rail Welding Advancements

Introduction

Pandrol announced a partnership with the Metal and Chemistry Research Institute (MCRI) of the China Academy of Railway Sciences to expand its presence in China, with a signing ceremony held at the 2025 Beijing Modern Railway event in July.

Partnership Details

The collaboration aims to promote Pandrol’s aluminothermic welding (ATW) solution, i+weld, and support China Railway’s Auto ATW requirements. The signing ceremony at the 2025 Beijing Modern Railway event provided a platform for Pandrol China to showcase its welding systems and innovations.

i+weld Solution

Nicolas Demond, Pandrol head of engineering ATW/EQC, indicated that solutions like i+weld are designed for the Chinese market. He highlighted that this technology, coupled with technical support and training, can facilitate faster and higher-quality rail welds, while also helping to address skills shortages.

Conclusion

The partnership between Pandrol and MCRI aims to integrate Pandrol’s i+weld solution into China’s railway infrastructure, supported by technical training and expertise.

Company Summary

Pandrol: A company that provides solutions for rail infrastructure, including aluminothermic welding systems.

Metal and Chemistry Research Institute (MCRI) of the China Academy of Railway Sciences: A research institute focused on metallurgy and chemistry, working in the railway sector.

China Railway: The national railway operator in China.

Technology

Aluminothermic welding (ATW): A welding process that uses a chemical reaction to create high-strength rail joints.

i+weld: Pandrol’s aluminothermic welding solution.

Auto ATW: Automated aluminothermic welding.