Railway Infrastructure Services & Reclaimed Track Materials
Railway Infrastructure & Material Solutions
At K J Bownes, we specialise in the supply of high-quality, serviceable railway materials like reclaimed rail, sleepers, baseplates, turnouts, buffer stops and track fastenings for railway infrastructure projects across the UK. Our services include professional railway track recovery, depot and site clearance, and the nationwide delivery of permanent way materials.
With over 65 years of industry expertise, we support rail contractors, civil engineering firms, industrial developers, heritage railways, and steam preservation groups with reliable, cost-effective solutions. Our reputation is built on quality, flexibility, and a deep understanding of the operational needs of the rail sector and your projects needs.
Why Choose Us?
65 Years of Proven Experience
Decades of hands-on knowledge supplying and supporting the UK’s railway infrastructure since 1960.
Specialists in Railway Sleepers & Materials
Extensive inventory of serviceable rail, fastenings, & sleepers trusted by contractors, depots, and heritage railways.
RISQS-Approved & Industry Compliant
Fully qualified and certified to supply and work within the rail sector to the highest standards.
Family Owned Reputation Driven
Now in third generation, our business is built on lasting relationships, personal service & a commitment to integrity.
Nationwide Coverage with Specialist Haulage
Efficient delivery using our own lorry-mounted cranes ensuring safety, accuracy, and speed.
Flexible, Bespoke Supply Solutions
We understand that no two projects are the same. That’s why we tailor our service to your needs large-scale or local.
Commitment to Safety, Sustainability & Integrity
We operate responsibly, with a focus on environmental impact, ethical sourcing, and safe working practices.
Network Rail Link-up Approved Company
Link-up ID 092782.
With over six decades of industry experience, we have built a strong reputation for reliability, safety, and excellence in railway infrastructure services across the UK.
As a Network Rail Link-up approved contractor, we uphold the highest standards in all our operations, consistently meeting the rigorous demands of the rail sector.
RISQS Accredited Supplier & Rail Infrastructure Expert
As a RISQS-approved supplier, we deliver trusted rail infrastructure materials that meet the demands of both mainline and heritage rail applications.
With over 65 years of experience, K J Bownes & Sons has built a solid reputation for safety, quality, and reliability in railway infrastructure services nationwide.
We are fully accredited under the Rail Industry Supplier Qualification Scheme (RISQS) the UK rail sector’s benchmark for third-party assurance. This certification ensures we adhere to rigorous standards in health & safety, quality management, and environmental compliance
Why RISQS Accreditation Matters to You
Industry-recognised confidence
RISQS accreditation places us on the approved supplier list used by major rail organisations, and duplication of audits
Safety-first
operations
Demonstrating robust systems in operational compliance, audit readiness, & risk management, across rail specific standards
Access to larger opportunities
Many rail projects especially heritage, engineering, and contractor led require or prefer RISQS-qualified suppliers
Competitive differentiation
Achieving and maintaining RISQS compliance showcases our ongoing commitment to excellence and improvements
FORS Accredited Fleet Compliant, Safe & City Ready
At K J Bownes, we are proud to operate a FORS-accredited fleet (Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme), demonstrating our commitment to best practice in vehicle safety, environmental responsibility, and operational efficiency.
FORS accreditation is increasingly recognised as essential for suppliers working in urban environments, major infrastructure projects, and rail depots, especially in Central London and other high-sensitivity areas. Our compliance ensures that our transport operations meet the strict standards required for entry to regulated construction sites and rail facilities.
Why FORS Accreditation Matters
Access to Central London & High Risk Sites
FORS compliance is a requirement for many sites within the London Low Emission Zone, Crossrail, and rail depots with heightened safety protocols.
Safer Transport Operations
Our vehicles are equipped with enhanced safety systems including blind-spot cameras, audible turning alerts, and driver training to meet FORS safety standards.
Reduced Environmental Impact
FORS supports more sustainable logistics through fuel-efficient driving, emissions reduction, and better route planning aligning with client sustainability goals.
Confidence for Site Managers & Contractors
FORS status gives assurance that our deliveries and collections are carried out professionally, and safely, with the expectations of principal contractors & rail authorities.
This accreditation complements our wider commitment to quality, safety, and industry compliance ensuring that K J Bownes remains a trusted partner for both rural and urban infrastructure supply needs.
Track removal & Industry services
At KJ Bownes, we don’t just offer railway sleepers for sale. KJ Bownes has, for many years, been one of the leading contractors in Britain for removing redundant railway track and depot clearance and line side removal of redundant railway assets. We have in place experienced, well-equipped teams who work safely and cleanly to provide a cost-effective service, no matter what the condition of your site.
Our Services
Track Recovery
We offer a complete track recovery service, including the safe and cost-effective removal of redundant rail, sleepers, fixings, and other infrastructure.
Our experienced team operates nationwide, managing everything from disused sidings and depots to full permanent way recovery projects.
All recovery work is supported by:
• Comprehensive health & safety assessments
• Detailed method statements and risk assessments (RAMS)
• Trained and certified operatives
• Specialist lifting equipment and crane-offload vehicles
We ensure full compliance with site regulations, CDM requirements, and contractor expectations making us a trusted partner for both mainline and heritage rail recovery work.
New & Serviceable Materials
We are committed in meeting all our clients’ requirements and provide a service to Network Rail and associated companies at Network Rail standards.
We supply a wide range of new and refurbished railway materials, including:
• Rail (Bull Head & Flat Bottom)
• Fishplates
• Chairs & baseplates
• Insulators, clips, and pads
• Sleepers, bolts, and fastenings
We are dedicated to delivering Network Rail-standard services with fully trained staff, up-to-date equipment, and a strong focus on safety and compliance.
Site Support
Our site support services are designed to assist contractors, engineers, and maintenance teams with the efficient delivery and handling of railway infrastructure works.
We offer flexible, on-demand solutions to meet the practical needs of live sites, depots, and infrastructure projects.
Services include:
• Lineside clearance and vegetation management
• On-site forklift and crane hire for material handling
• Labour support and operative assistance where required
• Logistical coordination for deliveries and staged works
Whether supporting planned renewals or urgent removals, we provide safe, reliable, and professional assistance to keep your project moving all in line with rail industry standards and safety requirements.
Specialist Haulage & Logistics
We run a fleet of specialist vehicles to meet the demands of railway logistics, ensuring safe, compliant transport of rail, sleepers, and permanent way materials nationwide.
Key features of our haulage service include:
• FORS-accredited fleet – compliant with safety and environmental standards, including operations in Central London & in restricted zones.
• Crane-equipped vehicles – enabling safe offloading of track materials directly to site.
• Qualified, experienced operators – experienced and trained for depot work, possession sites, and live rail environments.
• Flexible delivery scheduling – deliveries available at night, on weekends, and public holidays to suit possession windows.
Our logistics team collaborates with clients & site managers to ensure efficient, on-time delivery for both planned and time-sensitive projects.
Supply Services
We provides supply services to the railway sector, offering serviceable sleepers, crossing timbers, railtrack up-lifting etc. Read More
Infrastructure Modules
We supports railway operations through comprehensive infrastructure services, including lineside clearance, forklift and crane hire, etc. Read More
Track Recovery
We are a leading UK contractor in track recovery, offering safe, cost-effective removal of redundant railway assets nationwide . Read More
New & Used Materials
We supplies a wide range of new and used railway materials, including fish-plates, insulators, cast iron chairs, nuts and bolts etc. Read More
Dedicated to Quality Railway Sleepers
At K J Bownes & Sons, we provide comprehensive railway support services including lineside clearance, track recovery, depot clearance, and haulage of 60ft rail. Our skilled, certified team operates under Network Rail standards using modern plant and equipment, day or night, to safely recover redundant materials.
We supply and uplift serviceable sleepers, rail components, and various new and used track materials. With lorry-mounted cranes, forklifts, and burning teams, we ensure efficient and compliant site operations. Every project is delivered with full method statements, risk assessments, and a commitment to health, safety, and the environment.
Get In Touch With Us
Whether you’re planning a major infrastructure project or simply need advice on materials and logistics, our team is here to help. Reach out today we’re always happy to discuss your requirements and provide expert support.