Remembering Warwick Faville – An Industry Pioneer

A message from Peter Bygrave, Managing Director of Gantrail, following the sad passing of Warwick Faville.

Warwick Faville was a remarkable engineer and industry pioneer whose contributions to the crane rail engineering sector continue to influence the industry today. As someone who had the privilege of working closely with Warwick for over a decade, I wanted to share some reflections on his extraordinary career and the lasting impact he made on our industry.

When I joined Gantry Railing Limited in 2001, Warwick had already been an integral part of the company for many years. Over the next thirteen years, until around 2014, we developed a close working relationship that extended far beyond the typical business partnership. Though Warwick visited our offices only two days each month, we spoke almost daily by phone, maintaining a connection that continued through regular calls and emails right up until our last conversation earlier this year.

Warwick’s professional legacy extends far beyond our shared experiences. His name appears on numerous patents for the original clips that became the foundation of our organisation’s success. These weren’t merely products of their time – the fundamental concepts of those original designs remain relevant today, forming the bedrock not only for the Gantrail portfolio, but for competitors throughout the industry who have adopted their own versions of these pioneering designs. In an industry where innovation drives progress, Warwick’s contributions laid the groundwork for everything that followed. The designs he and Ian Marchant created, laid the foundation upon which entire companies – including competitors – built their livelihoods.

Our professional relationship took us across the globe, creating memories that perfectly captured Warwick’s character and dedication to excellence. Three overseas trips stand out as particularly memorable.

In 2006, my first international trip with Warwick was to visit a Gantrail client in Pennsylvania, USA. The warm reception we received – complete with welcome signage at the client’s offices demonstrated the high regard in which Warwick was held throughout the industry. True to form, when we nearly missed our connecting flight home due to a booking mix-up, Warwick’s charm and persuasive skills helped save the day, convincing check-in staff to let us board despite our ‘no show’ status.

In 2012 we visited suppliers near to Shanghai, China. This visit showcased Warwick’s commitment to understanding every aspect of the business. Even as mobility became more challenging for him, his enthusiasm for experiencing new cultures and building relationships never wavered. The respect and regard shown to him by suppliers and customers alike was a testament to his reputation in the industry.

In 2013, our final overseas trip together took us to Salzburg, Austria, to visit a potential supplier just over the German border. We stayed in a charming riverside hotel with a rooftop bar overlooking Salzburg, though we joked that our tiny rooms resembled cleaning cupboards. A mix-up at checkout led to our client inadvertently paying for our rooms, and we departed with unexpected gifts of rucksacks, towels, and umbrellas. Years later, when I lost my umbrella, Warwick characteristically sent me his – a small gesture that perfectly captured his thoughtful nature.

Warwick Faville was more than a colleague; he was a mentor, a travel companion, and a dear friend. I can say with absolute certainty that I would not have achieved the same success in my own career without his support and mentorship. His combination of technical expertise, business acumen, and genuine care for relationships made him a respected figure throughout our industry. Whether navigating international airports, exploring new cultures, or developing groundbreaking designs, Warwick approached every challenge with professionalism, humour, and grace.

His passing is not just a personal loss, but the end of an era. The respect he commanded from customers and suppliers worldwide, the innovations he helped create, and the relationships he built will continue to influence the sector for years to come. Warwick Faville’s legacy lives on in every rail system that benefits from his contribution to those early pioneering designs, in every professional relationship built on his model of integrity and excellence, and in the memories of those fortunate enough to work alongside him.