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"Windhoff is a German manufacturer of specialised railways rolling stock, and heavy industrial plant. The company was founded in 1889. The company is well known for its CargoSprinter rail vehicle, and derivatives History The company started out as the ' (Machine Factory of Rheine) in Rheine near Münster, Germany in 1889 manufacturing machines for the weaving industry and founded by Rudolf Windhoff. By 1901 the company was employing over 100 people. As similar control mechanisms were used for steam-driven automated weaving looms and for stream-driven railway traversers and turntables, Rudolf Windhoff also founded the ' (Windhoff Brothers' Engine and Vehicle Factory). In 1913, these two private companies were combined to form the share-based ' (Windhoff Machine Factory Rheine). This combined company suffered losses during the 1930s. Later, a bomb destroyed the manufacturing premises on 5 October 1944. In 1957 the company stopped manufacturing normal locomotives and start to concentrate on tracking machines (ballast tampers). The Windhoff company was first listed on the stock exchange in 1993. On 19 December 2001, the main company was declared bankrupt and the industrial plant and railway engineering divisions being taken over on 1 March 2002, to become part of Georgsmarienhütte Holdings GmbH. The Windhoff division, as ' (Windhoff Railway- and Equipment Technology) continues to supply specialist railway vehicles and infrastructure with a team of around 250 people. The company is an approved railway contractor for in the United Kingdom, Sweden and Norway. Products Windhoff manufactures specialised rail vehicles including the diesel freight multiple unit the CargoSprinter, and the Windhoff MPV, used for infrastructure and service trains, as well as electric and diesel shunting machines, shunting locomotives, and stationary shunting equipment. The company also manufactures a wide variety of rail service equipment including lifting equipment, traversers and turntables and equipment for wheelset maintenance including wheel and bogie drop machines, and wheelset and bogie measuring equipment.Windhoff website, "Rail Technologies", March 2012 Windhoff has a contract to supply Network Rail with a factory train which will be used by Amey plc in the Great Western electrification project. The company also manufactures equipment for heavy industrial plants, including steel-works equipment such as ladle transporters and tippers, torpedo wagons (in association with IAG-MAGNUM), and machinery for steel coil handling.Windhoff website, "Plant Technologies", March 2012 References External links *, company website Category:Rolling stock manufacturers of Germany "
"The Home Improvement Programme (HIP) is a programme announced by HDB, during the National Day Rally in August 2007 that replaced the Main Upgrading Programme (MUP). The HIP offers lessees a choice on the works they want to be included in the upgrading of their flats. It also helps lessees deal with common maintenance problems in ageing flats, such as spalling concrete and ceiling leaks, in a systematic and comprehensive manner. Flats are eligible for HIP twice, one at 30 years old and one at 60-70 years old. The HIP is targeted at flats built til 1997. Priority of upgrading programmes is traditionally given to wards held by the ruling People's Action Party, which appoints the Minister for National Development who oversees the Housing Development Board. When asked why opposition wards are penalised by the statutory board at a NUS student forum in 2011, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong responded, "The answer is that there has to be a distinction. Because the PAP wards supported the Government and the policies which delivered these good things.” Scope of Works Essential Improvements These are improvements deemed necessary for public health, safety or technical reasons. They are compulsory if HIP is polled successfully. * Replacement of waste pipes * Repair of spalling concrete * Repair of structural cracks * Replacement of pipe sockets * Upgrading of electrical supply Optional Improvements Owners may opt out of any or all of these improvements, with a corresponding reduction in co-payment. However, to opt out of toilet upgrading, the toilets will have to pass a water test for leaks. This is to prevent ceiling leaks at the flat below. * Upgrading of toilets * Replacement of entrance door * Replacement of entrance grille gate * Replacement of refuse hopper It was also announced in Parliament on 5 March 2012, that HDB will introduce more elderly friendly options under the HIP. These improvements come under the Enhancement for Active Seniors (EASE) and aims to create a safer and more comfortable living environment for them. * Slip resistant treatment for bathroom floors * Grab bars * Ramps at the main entrance of flats and in the flats HIP Ramp Up With the ramp up in HIP, Enhancement for Active Seniors (EASE), which is implemented with HIP, will also be stepped up. Elderly residents will benefit from EASE earlier, and enjoy grab-bars, ramps and slip-resistant treatment to floor tiles to help make their homes elderly- friendly. Construction The construction period for a typical precinct comprising eight to ten blocks will take about one and a half to two years. Works in each flat will take 10 days or less, depending on the improvements chosen. References Category:Public housing in Singapore Category:Real estate in Singapore Category:Singapore government policies "