Driving Sustainable Rail Operations: How Grifco Supports KiwiRail’s New Waltham Mechanical Hub
KiwiRail’s new Waltham Mechanical Hub boosts South Island operations with enhanced maintenance capabilities. See how Grifco and Apex Doors helped elevate safety, control, and automation across this future‑focused facility.
KiwiRail plays a vital role in keeping New Zealand moving. Managing 3,700km of rail infrastructure and transporting around 18 million tonnes of freight each year, the network significantly reduces road congestion and delivers meaningful environmental benefits. Every tonne moved by rail achieving a 70% emissions saving compared to road transport.
To continue strengthening its South Island operations, KiwiRail has recently expanded with the development of the Waltham Mechanical Hub. Purpose‑built to meet the needs of a modern rail network, the facility includes 25 maintenance berths designed to service locomotives, including a new generation of low‑emission models soon to arrive.
A Trusted Partnership Supporting Smarter Operations
Working closely with our long‑standing dealer partner, Apex Doors, Grifco is proud to support the Hub’s automation and access solutions. Together, we helped enhance operational control and safety through the integration of the Grifco E‑Drive and Expansion Board.
With over 110 years of experience supporting businesses across Australia and New Zealand, Grifco continues to deliver reliable, locally backed automation solutions that stand up to demanding industrial environments.
Enhancing Automation with the Grifco E‑Drive
The Grifco E‑Drive is the industry-leading operator for spring‑balanced roller shutters and grilles. Known for its durability, smart design and seamless integration capabilities, the E‑Drive gives facilities like the Waltham Mechanical Hub enhanced control, improved safety, and consistent performance - all essential for operations that run daily and at scale.
By pairing the E‑Drive with the Grifco Expansion Board, KiwiRail gains even greater flexibility in managing access points throughout the facility, supporting smooth workflow and helping technicians focus on what they do best.
Partner With Us
Whether you’re upgrading an industrial facility, building new infrastructure, or enhancing daily operations, Grifco can help elevate the safety, efficiency and automation of your business.
