How Expromet strengthens the German rail supply chain through certified manufacturing and managed global sourcing

With integrated casting, machining and fabrication in the UK, plus end-to-end control of overseas production, Expromet helps OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers achieve quality, reliability and cost efficiency.

Meeting the needs of Germany’s rail manufacturers

Germany’s rail sector is one of the most advanced in the world, setting benchmarks for engineering precision, safety and sustainability. But as global competition, cost pressures and capacity challenges increase, many German OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers are reviewing how and where their rail and rolling stock components are produced.

Outsourcing part of the component supply chain can bring major advantages when managed by the right partner. From cost efficiency to material diversity and risk mitigation, a trusted manufacturing partner helps manufacturers focus on core assembly and innovation while maintaining full control over quality and compliance.

That’s where Expromet Technologies Group offers a unique proposition for the European rail market: certified UK manufacturing, integrated group capabilities, and managed global sourcing under one trusted brand.

Why rail manufacturers are outsourcing component supply

German rail companies are world leaders in innovation, but even the largest OEMs are not immune to cost and capacity constraints. Many are now strategically outsourcing component production to optimise efficiency and protect resilience. The main drivers include:

• Cost efficiency
  Outsourcing to qualified partners can reduce production costs, especially for labour-intensive processes like casting, machining and fabrication – without compromising on quality.
• Scalability and capacity
  Partnering with experienced suppliers ensures access to the capacity needed for large-scale rail projects and overhaul programmes, particularly during demand peaks.
• Specialist capability
  High-integrity components for rolling stock, braking, signalling or power systems require materials and processes that many OEMs prefer to source from experts.
• Diversification and resilience
  Recent years have shown the importance of spreading manufacturing across multiple regions. Rail buyers are actively seeking partners who can provide sourcing options in Asia, and dual production capability.
• Focus on core competencies
  Outsourcing component manufacture allows OEMs to dedicate resources to innovation, design and assembly, while relying on trusted specialists for certified, high-quality parts.

What German OEMs look for in a manufacturing partner

When outsourcing, the key to success is selecting a partner that combines cost benefits with proven quality and technical capability. Rail buyers consistently prioritise:

• Recognised certification and compliance including EN 15085 for rail welding, ISO 3834-2 for fusion welding, ISO 9001 and AS9100 for quality management.
• Technical expertise and process control from CNC machining and coded welding to precision casting in stainless steel and aluminium.
• Reliable communication and transparency including full material traceability, inspection reports and real-time project visibility.
• Consistent on-time delivery supported by efficient logistics and group-level planning.
• Ethical, sustainable and traceable supply chains aligned with EU sustainability standards and industry requirements.

Expromet delivers on all of these criteria through a combination of UK-based manufacturing excellence and expertly managed overseas production.

Certified UK manufacturing for performance-critical rail components

Expromet group companies provide a complete range of manufacturing processes for the rail and rolling stock sector:

Metaltech Precision 

UK-based machining, fabrication and welding specialists, accredited to EN 15085, ISO 3834-2, AS9100, and ISO 9001. Operating from a precision engineering facility in the UK, Metaltech supports major OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers with the manufacture of critical rail components, combining CNC machining expertise, specialist materials knowledge and full lifecycle production capability.

Metaltech has experience producing key rail components, including machining challenging materials like REMKO soft iron:

Metaltech Precision’s reputation in the rail sector is built on proven results: for example, its long-term partnership with Wabtec, one of the world’s largest rail MRO organisations. Wabtec selected Metaltech to expand its UK rail component supply chain, recognising the company’s EN 15085-certified welding and precision machining expertise.

Through this collaboration, Metaltech has manufactured a wide range of assemblies for Wabtec’s braking, signalling and power-collection systems, supporting brands such as Brecknell Willis and Mors Smitt. By combining certified welding, precision CNC machining and integrated fabrication, Metaltech helped Wabtec streamline procurement, reduce lead times and improve consistency across multiple component types.

This partnership demonstrates Metaltech’s capability to meet the stringent technical, quality and safety standards demanded by international OEMs — the same standards that underpin Expromet’s wider offering to the German rail industry. For European rail manufacturers seeking a partner with proven experience in safety-critical applications, Metaltech represents a trusted, certified and responsive supplier within the Expromet Technologies Group.

Read more about how working with Metaltech can de-risk component supply

While Metaltech Precision leads the group’s rail fabrication, welding and machining expertise, Expromet’s casting capabilities are delivered through Investacast and Haworth Castings. Together, they provide a comprehensive range of UK-based casting processes: from investment and pressure die casting at Investacast to sand and gravity die casting at Haworth. Both companies are experienced in producing high-integrity components for performance-critical applications, including rail, aerospace and defence.

Investacast 

Advanced UK investment casting and pressure die casting, with trusted global sourcing partnerships supplying gravity die casting, water glass casting and forging.  Investacast has expertise in precision components for rail, aerospace and defence, including:

Read more about the applications and benefits of investment casting here.

Haworth Castings

Specialists in sand casting and gravity die castings, producing high-integrity components for safety-critical applications in aluminium and non-ferrous alloys.

Metal castings are integral components in a wide range of safety-critical industries, As demand for precision-engineered parts grows across sectors like rail and rolling stock,  understanding the advantages of metal castings and selecting the right casting supplier has never been more important.

Find out why you should choose Haworth as a metal castings supplier

This group capability allows Expromet to offer complete cast-to-finish manufacturing within the UK, ensuring that components move seamlessly from foundry to machining and assembly under one coordinated quality framework. Whether customers require complex aluminium castings, stainless steel precision parts or large-format structural components, the group delivers consistent quality, traceability and technical support throughout every stage of production.

For projects where cost efficiency, capacity or material sourcing demand a broader approach, Expromet also provides access to expertly managed global production — offering the same engineering control, traceability and quality assurance across its trusted overseas network.

Managed global sourcing for rail supply chain flexibility

For many rail manufacturers, global sourcing offers the opportunity to achieve cost savings and access extended capacity. However, concerns about quality control, compliance and traceability can make overseas production challenging to manage directly.

Expromet bridges that gap. Through an established international supplier network, the group offers end-to-end management of overseas manufacturing, providing access to cost-effective and high-quality manufacturing from trusted global partners.

Every project is fully controlled under Expromet’s rigorous quality assurance framework, ensuring the same inspection, documentation and traceability standards applied to UK-made components. This approach gives German OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers the confidence to diversify their supply base, supported by consistent inspection, documentation and full traceability under Expromet’s control.

Quality, assurance and traceability at every stage

Expromet leverages the capabilities of its group of complementary advanced precision casting and machining businesses to deliver world-class engineering solutions to customers on a global basis. The group is founded on delivering excellent service and added value to customers across a range of demanding sectors including rail and rolling stock, and we have a track record of finding innovative technical solutions to their engineering challenges.

Our businesses are market leaders in their respective fields and draw upon Expromet’s in-house technical expertise, extensive UK manufacturing capabilities and global supply chain to find innovative solutions to the many complex engineering challenges that our customers face. 

At Expromet, quality is at the heart of everything we do. Across our group companies we apply rigorous standards, advanced inspection techniques and continual improvement to deliver exceptional results. Our customers operate in demanding industries such as aerospace, defence, medical, energy and rail, where reliability and performance are critical. By maintaining internationally recognised accreditations and fostering a culture of precision and accountability, we ensure every component meets the highest expectations.

Expromet’s commitment to manufacturing excellence is underpinned by internationally recognised certifications including:

• EN 15085 – the specialist standard for welding of railway vehicles and components, an accreditation held by only a select group of manufacturers worldwide
• ISO 3834-2 – quality requirements for fusion welding of metallic materials
• AS9100 & ISO 9001 – quality management systems for safety, reliability and regulatory compliance in demanding sectors
• JOSCAR – demonstrating supplier assurance for key performance-critical industry sectors.

These accreditations represent a group-wide culture of continuous improvement, accountability and trust.

Strengthening the European rail supply chain

By combining the precision and assurance of UK manufacturing with the flexibility of managed overseas sourcing, Expromet helps rail manufacturers across Europe build stronger, more resilient supply chains.

For German OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers, this means access to:

• A single, accountable partner for casting, machining and fabrication
• Consistent, certified quality to European standards
• Proven experience with performance-critical and safety-critical applications
• Transparent, well-managed overseas sourcing when required
• End-to-end technical and logistical support from a group of engineering specialists.

Partner with Expromet

Whether you’re manufacturing new rolling stock, developing signalling networks or managing complex MRO programmes, Expromet offers the expertise, capacity and assurance to support your success.

With certified UK production and fully managed global sourcing, Expromet delivers the components, confidence and consistency that Europe’s rail sector demands.

Discover how Expromet can support your next rail project — contact our team to start a conversation.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What makes Expromet a trusted rail component supplier for the German market?

Expromet combines certified UK manufacturing with managed global sourcing. Our group companies — Metaltech Precision, Haworth Castings and Investacast — deliver precision machining, casting and fabrication backed by ISO 9001, AS9100, ISO 3834-2 and EN 15085 certification.

Q2. Why is EN 15085 certification important for German rail manufacturers?

EN 15085 is the recognised European standard for the welding of railway vehicles and components. It assures safety, traceability and compliance — qualities that German OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers require when selecting manufacturing partners.

Q3. What types of rail and rolling-stock components does Expromet produce?

We manufacture and assemble precision components such as braking and signalling housings, underframe and power-system parts, castings, machined gear components, shoe carriers and other safety-critical assemblies.

Q4. How does Expromet ensure quality in overseas sourcing?

All overseas production is managed end-to-end by our team, using approved partners audited to UK and EU standards. Every component is inspected and documented under Expromet’s quality framework to maintain full traceability and compliance.

Q5. Can Expromet supply non-China manufactured components?

Yes. Through Investacast’s established global network, Expromet provides non-China sourcing routes to support customers who need diversified or tariff-sensitive supply chains.

Q6. What advantages do German rail OEMs gain from sourcing components in the UK?

UK suppliers like Expromet offer high technical capability, certified welding and machining expertise, and close cultural alignment with EU quality systems — reducing communication barriers and improving reliability.

Q7. Which industries demonstrate Expromet’s expertise in performance-critical manufacturing?

In addition to rail and rolling stock, Expromet serves the aerospace, defence and energy sectors, all of which demand the same precision, repeatability and safety standards expected by rail OEMs.

Q8. How does Expromet help improve rail supply-chain resilience?

By combining UK manufacturing capacity with controlled overseas production, Expromet offers flexible sourcing strategies that reduce risk, balance cost and maintain consistent lead-time performance.

Q9. What materials and processes does Expromet work with for rail applications?

We machine and cast materials including stainless steels, aluminium, SG iron and REMKO soft iron. Processes include CNC machining, EN 15085-certified welding, sand, gravity-die and investment casting, and component sub-assembly.

Q10. How can German rail buyers start working with Expromet?
Contact Expromet’s business development team to discuss your project requirements. We’ll advise on the best material and process route, whether UK manufacture or managed overseas sourcing, to meet specification, cost and delivery goals.