paving. Product manager Chris Elliott discusses

its history: “Visul Systems evolved from the

need to develop a tactile solution that was

easier and quicker to install than conventional

concrete systems but could also be used in

areas where, for example, platforms couldn’t

actually be excavated due to a lack of surface

depth. Since the company was formed it has

gone from strength to strength, year after year.

Visul was acquired by Universal Sealants (UK)

Limited four years ago and that has helped us

grow tremendously, as USL have over 25 years’

experience within the construction industry.

USL’s vast knowledge of the industry, has

enabled us to invest in new manufacturing and

laboratory facilities to keep one step ahead of

the market requirements.”

Visul has two key tactile pavement systems

designed for railway platforms: the first being

the widely adopted PU (polyurethane) Platform

Edge Warning Surface, which is made from a

blend of PU resin and recycled materials, along

100 www.railwaystrategies.co.uk

Tactile paving has become an

important part of the urban

landscape, as the need to

provide the visually impaired

with information about dangers such as

road crossings or platform edges, has been

deemed a national requirement. In 1995 the

UK Government introduced the Disability

Discrimination Act (DDA) that included,

amongst a host of other legislations, the

requirement for train station platforms to

have tactile paving installed as a warning of

the impending possible drop onto the tracks

ahead. As a result of this the Access for All

programme was established with an annual

£35 million budget running until 2015 (this

has since seen a slight reduction in the annual

spending due to the recent cut backs). This

was brought about to help encourage and

fund the refurbishments many stations would

need to undertake, to then make them totally

DDA Compliant.

Product platform In 2002, Visul Systems established itself

as a company with innovative solutions to

problems surrounding the installation of tactile

Stations

Visulising

With sights set on expansion in its home and international markets, Visul Systems is well placed for continued growth in the tactile paving market

thefuture

colleges and universities, airports, cycle tracks

and shopping centres. The success of Visul

Systems in the UK has seen the company look

to branching abroad too, with the US and Far

East being two regions currently in the early

stages of international expansion.

“Due to increasing demand for our tactiles,

we decided the time was right to invest in a

new manufacturing facility,” quotes Chris.

“The timing was perfect, installing the new

line over the Christmas shutdown period was a

must. Not only will it help speed up production

and aid Visul in the constant drive to improve

quality, keeping us one step ahead of the

competition, but it will also help us to continue

to deliver all that is required to the many

existing clients as well as the many new clients

that we are currently attracting. We all feel the

new line was much needed, as it means less

overtime!

Branching out“With increased production capabilities, Visul

Systems is geared up and ready to meet the

forthcoming demands for the year ahead and

if the need arises will again have to increase

our production facilities (hopefully not too

soon though! ). Despite a considerable number

of the major train stations throughout the UK

already containing tactile paving, there still

remains a high number of both large mainline

and smaller branch line stations throughout

England, Scotland and Wales that still require

such systems.”

So with the many rail schemes planned for

2011 and beyond, there are plenty of ongoing

opportunities for Visul Systems to grow, not

only with its current highly satisfied client base

but also with new clients too. Coupled with

its foray into international markets, the future

presents many exciting prospects for Visul as a

whole and long may it last.

Chris concludes, “Whilst also adding new

products to our portfolio. Visul Systems

is always trying to better itself, through

continuous development and research to

provide a more complete DDA-compliant

solution. With the addition of a new

manufacturing facility, we feel we will be able

offer a high quality, yet speedy service as and

when the need arises for many years to come,

which is usually the next day in most cases!”

Visul Systems

Tel: +44 (0191) 402 1960

Email: info@visulsystems.com

Web: www.visulsystems.com

www.railwaystrategies.co.uk 101

with the newly developed Section 12 (from

specially formulated methyl methacrylate resin)

Platform Edge Warning Surface. Both share

many similar qualities, such as flexibility due to

being made from non-concrete like materials

– this helps to ensure 100 per cent adhesive

application as the tiles can follow any slight

undulations that may be in situ on the given

substrate. In addition, the system also offers

speed of installation due to the tiles being

lightweight, easy to manhandle and there is

also no need for any excavation. All this means

that no heavy plant or additional mobilisation

costs have to be allowed for.

The core difference between the two,

however, is that the Section 12 system meets

the stringent fire safety requirements laid

down by London Underground. Visul also

offers retrofitted studs made from brass,

stainless steel, black nylon or complete with

resin in-fills. These are obviously a more costly

alternative, but are deemed a viable expense

at some of the more prestigious and modern

stations, where the need for a minimalist

appearance is a must.

Exceeding expectationsWhen it comes to Visul’s Surface Mounted

Tactiles, it also sells an Edge Fillet System,

which is an engineering solution offering that

has derived from listening to client feedback

and Visul seeking to better its already

top-of-the-range system. The edge fillet not

only reduces any possible tripping hazard,

but also serves to protect the tile edge and

prolong the life of the system far beyond

any competitor’s similar, yet inferior product

systems. These points are key to making the

company’s Surface Mounted Tactiles stand

head and shoulders above the rest.

The organisation’s ability to modify its

products to meet the needs of its clients is just

one of the reasons why Visul Systems stands

out from its competitors. Should a customer

need an adhesive with an accelerated curing

time, the company has the technical knowhow

to be able to do so. With it’s own in-house

research team including senior chemists and

laboratory technicians, Visul can adapt its

existing products to suit any requirements,

or if the need arises, can produce something

unique for the task in hand.

Furthermore, Visul is not only dedicated

solely to the pursuit of remaining at the top of

the tactile paving market, the company also

offers a range of high quality products that

help to meet DDA requirements – such as its

TruView

Visuline range of stair nosing and anti-slip

resins, among others.

Visul Systems also offers as much assistance

as possible to each project they are involved

in, from the initial enquiry, throughout every

stage of the project, followed up with any

after-sales support requirements.

A dedication to quality and to the customer

has seen Visul Systems products become

the chosen DDA tactile supplier throughout

Britain’s rail network, not only on Network

Rail’s main stations and branch lines but also

on the London Underground and Overground

as well. One of the company’s most recent

involvements has been with the London

Overground Rail Operations Ltd (LOROL).

Chris comments on this project: “We are

currently entering the final phase of LOROL’s

44 station upgrade project, something that

we have been involved in since day one. Since

gaining specification on this project, Visul has

worked directly with the client and the main

contractors to offer as much assistance as

possible regarding each installation.“

In demand and on timeIt is important to note that the company also

provides DDA solutions beyond the realms of

the rail industry. Wherever there is a need for

surface-mounted tactile paving throughout

the UK, Visul Systems has developed, supplied

and delivered products to many other DDA

related schemes. Visul’s products have been

installed across a wide range of locations, such

as pedestrian crossings, car parks, hospitals,

n