Rivelin Rail was co-founded by Dr Ben White & Dr Michael Watson in 2021.

The pair met at the University of Sheffield (a world leading institution in tribology research) during their PhD courses with the Rail Safety & Standards board and Rolls Royce respectively.

Both Ben & Mike saw the lack of quality field-research in regards to friction management, due to limitations in available technology.  They set about designing their first portable tribometer, for a widespread adoption of friction measurements on the railway. With over 20 years of tribology experience between them, they are an expert source for measuring wheel to rail contact and consulting on friction management. Ben is also a member of the Adhesion Research Group, which promotes a system-wide approach to an understanding of wheel / rail adhesion.

In their spare time, Ben and Mike can be found on the gritstone crags of the Peak District or cycling in the steep forests in and around Sheffield.

The business has grown enormously in recent months, seeing tribometers adopted and shipped globally, with an exciting technology development plan.