Antagrade Electrical Limited was established in 1983 by engineers experienced in AC and DC Traction Power Construction going back to the West Coast Main Line Stage 1 Electr if ication. We were formed by personnel from Switchgear and Cowans, part of CEM group which included Bertram Thomas (DC Traction Breakers), Hackbridge and Hewittic (Transformers and Rectifiers).

Switchgear and Cowans (S&C) manufactured AC Switchgear up to 33kV including 25kV Switchgear on the West Coast Main Line. The experience gained at S&C in AC and DC traction power systems included design, manufacture, site installation and commissioning, in particular on the West Coast Main Line Stage 1 Electrification.

The company's original operations were substation and equipment construction. This expanded with the business to include track bonding, track cabling, track isolators, indicators and shore supply systems and maintenance.

Major contracts have included the site management and installation of traction and substations on Docklands Light Railway, Manchester Metrolink, London Underground, Channel Tunnel-related Power Supply Reinforcements and later the Channel Tunnel Rail Link together with Network Rail Power Supply Upgrade projects.