METRO systems as far away as China and the USA are up to "speed" thanks to an innovative Bury engineering company.

For Rowe Hankins Components are winning friends around the world with their speed monitoring products which are also used on French freight locos and on stock in Brazil, Australia and, in the UK, on the London Underground.

The company, based in Parker Street, has just announced a new range of their speed detection devices which bosses say are easier to install, more reliable and half the cost of optical speed detection technology.

The equipment is vital to monitor speed accurately at each powered axle. It is possible to synchronise speed from each wheel set to ensure smooth and balanced power delivery.

This gives rapid acceleration and braking without wheel spin or slide. Positive benefits include avoiding excessive power use, damage to wheel sets or track and a reduction in downtime for service attention.

All Rowe Hankins' speed monitoring systems use what is termed magnetic disturbance to generate a pulse that is directly proportional to speed.

Good news is that the company's speed monitoring products are gearing up contracts overseas. Metro systems in Shanghai, New York, Washington and Sacramento use them.

The firm, run by well-known local businessman Mr Toni Hankins, has an active research and development department that works with train builders, operators and leasing companies.