Award

Kone new escalator gearbox install

NETWORK RAIL INFRASTRUCTURE LIMITED

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Award

27 Feb 2026 at 14:33

UK5 - Transparency Notice
Summary of the contracting process

Network Rail Infrastructure Limited is proceeding with a direct award contract to KONE PLC for escalator gearbox replacements and associated modernisation across multiple high-risk stations in London, United Kingdom. The contract, valued at approximately £2.7 million, spans a 12-month period starting from 16 March 2026, following the intended award date on 11 March 2026. This procurement falls under the industry category of escalator installation work and is situated in the utilities special regime. As per the Procurement Act 2023, the process is devoid of competition, citing proprietary rights as justification. Network Rail operates as a public authority within central government, ensuring adherence to legal requirements under the UK's legislative framework.

This tender represents a valuable opportunity for businesses specialising in escalator installations and modernisation work. While KONE PLC, the Original Equipment Manufacturer, will conduct the initial retrofit, there is potential for third-party providers to participate in subsequent rounds once the OEM process is established. Companies capable of collaborating on complex engineering products and services in compliance with proprietary technology requirements stand to benefit. The auxiliary brake innovations present new avenues for involvement in developing safety-conformant installations, making this particularly appealing for firms with advanced technical expertise in escalator systems.

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Notice Information

Notice Title

Kone new escalator gearbox install

Notice Description

Network Rail intends to directly award a contract to KONE PLC for the replacement of failing escalator gearboxes and delivery of associated modernisation works across several high risk stations. The anticipated contract value is PS2.7 million, with an anticipated contract duration of 12 months, and an intended award date of 11 March 2026. A direct award is justified under the Procurement Act 2023, Schedule 5, Paragraph 8(1) (technical/proprietary exclusivity), which permits direct award where "only a particular supplier can supply the goods, services or works because they have intellectual property rights or other exclusive rights and there are no reasonable alternatives." In this instance, as the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM), KONE must carry out the initial retrofit works to implement the newly developed gearbox solution and establish the validated installation methodology; thereafter, third party providers may undertake future works once the OEM process and requirements are defined. Following an escalator incident in 2023, a significant safety risk was identified concerning certain gearbox units within Network Rail's escalator portfolio. In response, Network Rail will procure newly designed KONE gearboxes with a modified configuration, including an auxiliary brake, to enable safe retrofit across existing assets. The initial installations will be undertaken by the OEM to ensure full understanding of the new process, to confirm any additional engineering or safety requirements, and to develop a robust and repeatable methodology for subsequent works. In accordance with Section 90 of the Procurement Act 2023, Network Rail confirms that no discrimination against treaty state suppliers has occurred. The requirement is grounded solely in proprietary rights and the need for OEM led initial implementation consistent with the Schedule 5 justification.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-065e77
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/017988-2026
Current Stage
Award
All Stages
Award

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK5 - Transparency Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Works
Procurement Method
Direct
Procurement Method Details
Below threshold - without competition
Tender Suitability
Not specified
Awardee Scale
Large

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

45 - Construction work

CPV Codes

45313200 - Escalator installation work

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
Not specified
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
£2,730,766 £1M-£10M
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
27 Feb 20262 weeks ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
27 Feb 20262 weeks ago
Contract Period
16 Mar 2026 - 31 Mar 2027 1-2 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Complete
Lots Status
Complete
Awards Status
Pending
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
NETWORK RAIL INFRASTRUCTURE LIMITED
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
LONDON
Postcode
SE1 8SW
Post Town
South East London
Country
England
Major Region (ITL 1)
TLI London
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLI4 Inner London - East
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLI45 Lambeth
Delivery Location
Not specified
Local Authority
Lambeth
Electoral Ward
Waterloo & South Bank
Westminster Constituency
Vauxhall and Camberwell Green

Supplier Information

Number of Suppliers
1
Supplier Name

KONE

Further Information

Notice Documents

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

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The Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS) is a framework designed to increase transparency and access to public procurement data in the public sector. It is widely used by governments and organisations worldwide to report on procurement processes and contracts. 

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