A leading rail engineering company specialising in maintaining, refurbishing and overhauling passenger and freight trains celebrates its 30th birthday – with the business going from strength to strength.
Brodie Engineering operates from two sites in Kilmarnock, East Ayrshire, employing more than 150 people and boasts an active training and apprenticeship programme.
Founded on 26 February, 1996, by Gerry and Debbie Hilferty as a specialist engineering firm, the company quickly developed expertise in rolling stock maintenance, refurbishment and heavy engineering services for the rail industry.
As demand for its high quality expertise has grown, Brodie Engineering has expanded its operations and workforce, developing a strong reputation for delivering complex engineering projects for major rail fleet owners and train operating companies on both sides of the border.
In 2020, the firm added to its existing Bonnyton Works site in Kilmarnock by acquiring and reopening the historic Caledonia Works site on the other side of the town’s rail track.
The business then entered another new phase of growth in 2024 when one of the UK’s leading rolling stock financiers Porterbrook, acquired a 49 per cent shareholding in the company. The strategic partnership has since enabled Brodie Engineering to double its workforce in just two years as new streams of work have been opened up.
All staff are employed directly by the company, with some having built careers spanning more than 15 years – joining as semi-skilled workers and progressing through the ranks to become supervisors and others who joined as supervisors and are now department directors.
The team are committed to nurturing the skills of the next generation, recognising that investing in young people is essential to the long-term strength and sustainability of both the business and the wider industry. There are currently 11 modern apprentices and another 3 undertaking student placements.
Brodie Engineering is also signed up to the Armed Forces Covenant and is recognised by the Ministry of Defence’s gold level Employer Recognition Scheme Award, with reservists among its workforce.
Managing Director, Gerry Hilferty said:
“Debbie and I have watched the business go from strength to strength over the last 30 years and we are proud of what the team has achieved.
“We offer a comprehensive range of refurbishment, maintenance, overhaul and repair services to the rail sector and have expertise ranging from passenger trains to specialist infrastructure vehicles. We understand the requirements needed for train operations and our expertise is our greatest asset.
“We have a talented and passionate team and it is particularly gratifying for us to know we are a significant local employer able to offer a stable and rewarding working environment to those looking to start their career with us and progress.
“We are also proud of our role in our community, including our work with local charities and our annual on-site Armistice Day ceremony, which is one of the biggest of its types in Scotland.
“Our successful partnership with Porterbrook is supporting our growth and we look forward to continued success.”
Image credits: ScotRail
