Muirhead puts durability at the forefront for TRAKO 2023

1. Leather manufacturer Muirhead shines the spotlight on durability as it prepares to showcase its flagship LightCore™ innovation at TRAKO 2023 this month.
2. Visitors to stand B27 can explore ‘the lightest leather on two tracks’, which is 33% lighter than standard leather without compromising durability and strength.
3. The leather supplier delivers exceptional technical performance, breathability, flame resistance, and easy cleaning properties – all with a market-leading warranty.

Paisley, Scotland – Muirhead, a trusted supplier of high-performance leather to some of the world’s most respected passenger transport and aviation brands, will shine the spotlight on durability at this month’s TRAKO 2023 in Poland.

The Scottish manufacturer, well-known for its technical excellence and exceptional durability, is set to showcase its flagship LightCore™ leather innovation at the 15th TRAKO International Railway Fair, held on 19-22 September in Gdańsk. Dubbed ‘the lightest leather on two tracks’, LightCore™ weighs up to 33% less than standard leather, without compromising its thickness or strength.

With a durable, micro-light core, the full substance leather product is designed to help extend the range of electric vehicles and reduce emissions of conventionally powered stock. It has been rigorously tested to meet the stringent requirements of modern passenger transport, all while delivering substantial lifetime weight savings for operators.

Kevin Smith, Head of Mass Transit, Muirhead, said:“When it comes to seat covers, the material’s durability and technical performance remain a key priority for rail operators. In fact, it’s the strength and longevity of our leather products that draw many of them to Muirhead. Owing to their natural durability, genuine leather seat covers need to be replaced less frequently than fabric alternatives, enabling operators to unlock significant cost savings and reduce their overall carbon footprint in the long run. 

“We’re thrilled to be showcasing our signature LightCore™ innovation at TRAKO this month. It is a prime example of our commitment to delivering much-needed durability and exceptional technical performance to the railway sector. Simply shaving off grams or making the leather thinner would have dramatically reduced durability and increased the chance of ripping. Instead, we challenged ourselves to rethink the entire process – from the exact hides we choose, through pioneering new manufacturing techniques, to the rigorous testing that ensures our leather products exceed the rail sector’s extremely high standards.” 

Aisling Norton, Fleet Manager – Locomotives and Carriages Division at Iarnród Éireann (Irish Rail), added:
“During 2022 we successfully completed our fleet-wide refurbishment programme, which saw 234 carriages with over 15,500 seat overs upgraded with Muirhead’s high-performance leather. Additionally, a further 41 carriages purchased from Hyundai Rotem were also completed with the same upgraded interior. Alongside enabling a massive €3.2 million cost saving compared to fabric alternatives over a 12-year period, Muirhead’s long-lasting genuine leather was a winning choice for its durability and flame resistance.  

“Now in 2023, we are installing the First Class seats, which we look forward to presenting to our customers during the Autumn. We look forward to delighting our passengers across Ireland with high-quality, sustainable leather seats for many years to come.” 

Visitors to Stand B27 can learn how Muirhead delivers much-needed durability and exceptional technical performance, as well as breathability, flame resistance, and easy cleaning properties with a market-leading warranty – thereby significantly reducing the total cost of ownership for operators.

The manufacturer’s exhaustive testing processes include durability, strength, stretch, flexibility, rub and abrasion, colour consistency, fastness, and soil resistance. Thanks to its in-house Fire Resistance Lab burn test facility, the company can test full seat constructions to EN45545-2 and EN16989.

In addition, Muirhead’s in-house facilities are UKAS-accredited for EN 9100, ISO 14001, ISO 50001, ISO/IEC 17025, IATF 16949, and OHS 45001.

Please explore the depths of Muirhead’s in-house testing facilities and technical excellence.