Lockelec has cultivated a strong history supporting the rail sector and is ready to expand to further support the industry.
For over 12 years, Lockelec Rolling Stock has made its mark as a leading force in the Australian rail sector, distinguished by its drive for innovation, expertise in rapid prototyping, and excellence in manufacturing and assembly of critical components, both onshore and offshore.
As an Australian, family-owned business, Lockelec values its heritage and the diverse communities it serves, aiming to be more than a supplier—it strives to be a transformative partner within the industry.
At the heart of Lockelec’s mission is a commitment to inclusivity and accessibility in rail travel. The company’s solutions are designed with the goal of creating a more inclusive world, enabling individuals of all abilities to travel with ease and dignity. Led by managing director Stuart Lord and head of sales Pedro Henriquez, Lockelec fosters an inclusive culture that prioritises people, whether they are passengers, clients, or employees.
This people-centred approach is evident in the company’s ongoing support of its workforce, which is made up of individuals from a wide range of backgrounds and perspectives. This diversity fuels innovation and strengthens Lockelec’s mission, making it an environment where all voices are heard, and talent is nurtured.
The supportive, inclusive culture within Lockelec is highlighted by the experiences of two employees—Jen Croft and April Gommers. Both working mothers and long-time friends, they joined Lockelec at different times but for similar reasons: a need for flexibility, growth opportunities, and a workplace where they could thrive. Croft, who joined as a field services and administrative co-ordinator in May 2023, had previously worked at a large corporate firm that offered little room for growth or work-life balance. Initially apprehensive about finding a role that would support her needs as a mother working part-time, Croft soon discovered that Lockelec’s supportive environment was exactly what she had been looking for.
The company encouraged her input in streamlining systems, and her contributions were quickly recognised, leading to her promotion to accounts officer. Inspired by her new role, Croft is now returning to study to further her qualifications in this area, a testament to the growth Lockelec encourages among its employees.
In February 2024, when a personal assistant position became available, Croft recommended Gommers for the role. Gommers, who had been working in a job with rigid hours that limited her time with her young family, was drawn to Lockelec after hearing about Croft’s positive experience.
Upon joining as a sales and personal assistant, Gommers found herself welcomed into a culture where her skills and potential were valued. Within months, she was promoted to business co-ordinator, a role that allowed her to manage projects and grow in new ways. Both Croft and Gommers emphasise the inclusive, family-oriented environment at Lockelec, and they are proud to contribute to a business that genuinely values teamwork, inclusivity, and personal development.
This dedication to inclusivity extends beyond Lockelec’s internal culture and into its products and services. The company is recognised for its accessibility solutions, delivering fully certified, compliant products to rail operators across Australia.
Lockelec’s work in disability access highlights its commitment to meeting the unique needs of all passengers, ensuring that public transport is a viable option for everyone. Navigating the complexities of disability access is no small feat; this area of work is often regarded as problematic within the industry, given the challenging standards and frequent revisions to accessibility requirements. However, Lockelec embraces these challenges as opportunities to innovate and improve.
“In this space, the scope is rarely as straightforward as it appears,” Lord said. “Our years of experience and lessons from real-world deliverables enable us to achieve successful outcomes for all stakeholders.”
From metropolitan trams to regional rail networks, Lockelec’s solutions are tailored to fit each operator’s requirements, enhancing inclusivity without sacrificing reliability.
One of the ways Lockelec stands out in the industry is through its seamless collaboration with Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and rail operators. By integrating testing, sourcing, engineering support, audits, and inspections under one roof, Lockelec streamlines the entire development process, saving its clients valuable time and resources. This holistic approach promotes open collaboration and ensures that each project aligns with operators’ specific needs and requirements.
Henriquez said Lockelec has overseen full fleet overhauls of critical components, including train door fleets, to improve safety and extend the operational life of these parts.
“Our team has overhauled multiple door fleets, enhancing safety and extending their operational life to meet modern standards,” he said. “We work closely with client engineering teams, problem-solving together to deliver solutions that work well for both operators and passengers.”
Lockelec’s commitment doesn’t stop at project completion. The company also provides comprehensive after-sales support, ensuring that maintenance needs are met long after the initial work is done.
Lord said this commitment to ongoing support reflects Lockelec’s belief in building long-term partnerships based on trust and reliability.
“We’re committed to building long-term partnerships,” he said. “We aim to be a supplier you can truly lean on, offering solutions that help our partners excel within their organisations.”
Recognition of Lockelec’s industry excellence is reflected in its status as a finalist for the Victorian Manufacturing Hall of Fame Awards for the second consecutive year. This honour is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the Lockelec team.
“It’s an honour to stand alongside other remarkable manufacturers,” Lord said. “These awards represent the dedication and expertise our team brings every day, and they inspire us to continue pushing the boundaries of what we can achieve in the rail sector.”
Looking to the future, Lord and Henriquez are enthusiastic about the opportunities. Lockelec has ongoing projects with OEMs and operators that will strengthen its partnerships and drive growth.
“We have a bright future ahead,” Lord said. “With a track record of success, innovation, nimble structure, and accountability, we’re well-prepared to support the rail sector’s evolving demands.”
As Lockelec moves forward, it remains focused on building a more inclusive and accessible world, one rail solution at a time. This commitment to inclusivity, collaboration, and excellence ensures that Lockelec continues to make a meaningful impact on the industry, supporting both operators and passengers while remaining true to its core values. Whether through pioneering new accessibility solutions, nurturing talent, or fostering strong partnerships, Lockelec is prepared to meet the challenges of the future and continue as a leader in the rail sector.
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