Firstco helps to extend Heathrow Express

BAA Heathrow Airport Ltd’s Rail and Tunnels team selected Firstco, the technical consultancy, project management and systems integration specialists, to implement the Control & Communications systems for the extension of the Heathrow Express rail service into the new Terminal 5 at Heathrow. This Terminal is scheduled to open in March 2008.

Firstco’s six-strong project team is currently working on designing, building and testing the PLC and SCADA systems that are used to control the new Terminal 5 assets. These include extensions to the existing Tunnel Control systems for Tunnel ventilation, fire, train information, public address, CCTV and utilities.

The contract requires Firstco to hand over the new sub-systems following factory acceptance testing. In addition, elements of the system must meet SIL2 safety levels.

“Extending the Heathrow Express rail service to serve Terminal 5 has a vital part to play in the further development of Heathrow as one of the world’s most important airports,” said Bill Martin, Firstco’s managing director. “We’re delighted to have been chosen to help in developing these facilities to a world class standard.”

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Notes for Editors:

About Firstco

Established in 1998, Firstco is now a major force in the areas of technical consultancy, project management and systems integration. Working in a range of industries – notably transport, especially rail installations and airports; power and construction – Firstco specialises in controls and communication solutions for assignments of all sizes from buildings through to large scale infrastructure projects.

Firstco’s in-house team includes specialists in: electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, software engineering, consulting, project management and commissioning management.
Through its core services of consultancy, system delivery and project management, Firstco provides its clients with a total solution - from concept to commissioning and maintenance, based on collaboration and integration with clients and partners.

Its mission is to advise, deliver and support high quality control and communications solutions that improve transport and workplace environments, create value for clients and make a positive difference to their end users.

Firstco’s approach is based on four core values:

• Service Excellence - achieving client confidence by truly understanding the business drivers and the project requirements, delivering the agreed solution to plan, managing issues and communicating clearly and regularly - while being easy to do business with and enjoyable to work with.
• Integrity - applying professional and technical expertise to ensure the right solution for the right reasons, as well as being open, honest and fair in all of its dealings.
• Teamwork - deploying the right blend of talent and experience to get the job done, and integrating effectively with client and third party personnel and activities.
• Development - continually seeking to enhance its own capabilities and processes, enabling it to remain innovative and challenging - and sharing this with its clients.

Firstco’s clients include: BAA Heathrow Airport Ltd; Esso Petroleum; Heathrow Express Operating Company; London Underground Ltd; Standard Life Assurance; Morgan Stanley; Arup Associates; Balfour Kilpatrick; Landis & Gyr; London Electricity Services, Mott MacDonald, Crown House and Transmanche Link.

Further information from:
David Blight / Rupert Exham, Firstco, 0207 034 0833; www.firstco.uk.com
Bob Little, Bob Little Press & PR, 01727 860405