Stourbridge Shuttle firm looks to expand its base

Parry People Movers are currently in talks with Sandwell Council over upgrading its centre in Overend Road.

John Parry, chairman of the tramway system suppliers, said he welcomed the local authority's support.

The firm designed the Parry People Movers rail cars, which are used on the Stourbridge Shuttle.

The lightweight tram, which links Stourbridge Town and Stourbridge Junction stations, is powered by a rotating flywheel that stores and uses kinetic energy from braking.

Mr Parry said: "We would love to be able to upgrade the centre site.

"Research and development is very important for us as we are all about the innovation of new products.

"We're very proud of our work and the future of affordable light rail transport. This is a positive step.

"We'd also welcome working with other towns across the West Midlands as part of the Combined Authority."

Mr Parry said that other products, which have been designed by the company, have been exported to Africa and have helped developing nations.

Council leader Steve Eling said the authority's economic team was in contact with Mr Parry.

This follows a visit from Councillor Eling to the firm's base last month.

"They've got their base in Cradley Heath where they have done all their development so far and we're pleased they are looking to remain in the borough.

"I suppose they will be doing a fair bit of research and development and there is the potential for expansion of that site."

Earlier this month, it was revealed that the Stourbridge Shuttle had broken its records for passenger numbers for the sixth successive year.

In the year-to-end May 2016, approximately 600,000 journeys were made on the Stourbridge branch line – compared to the 595,000 trips made in the year-to-end May 2015.

The latest figures represent an increase of 27 per cent over the first full year of operation back in 2011.

Pre Metro Operations Ltd runs the service in partnership with London Midland.

Parry People Movers supply lightweight tramway systems for smaller towns, and also supply lightweight rail vehicles for use on regional railways.