Porterbrook has agreed a deal to supply a set of 56 new box wagons to GB Railfreight (GBRf).
The move will support domestic manufacturing from rail freight to steel production, and will see the high-volume MWA wagons manufactured by WH Davis in Nottinghamshire.
With the first unit due to be completed in September 2027; the fleet will be operated by GBRf and used to transport 7Steel’s Cardiff site, where it will be used in the production of UK-made steel.
The agreement will see Porterbrook invest in new British rolling stock whilst providing GBRf with additional capacity in order to better serve the domestic steel industry.
Max Ordish, Porterbrook Head of Freight & Commercial Projects, said:Porterbrook is delighted to support the domestic freight industry by providing UK-built wagons for the purpose of UK-made steel.
By working in partnership with GB Railfreight and WH Davies, we’re helping to ensure the sector can continue to meet the changing needs of customers and the industry.
With a 75m³ capacity, which is typically 25% greater than standard box wagons, the design aims to maximise both payload potential and operational efficiency. Each unit will be fitted with TF25-friendly bogies, and have been designed specifically to reduce wheel wear, aiding operators to lower whole-life costs.
Liam Day, Interim Managing Director at GB Railfreight, said:This is a deal made in Britain, for British steelmaking, and that’s something we’re really proud to be part of.
These wagons will be built in Nottinghamshire, operated by GBRf and used to move recycled material into Cardiff to support steel production. It’s exactly the sort of work we want to be doing, supporting British industry and moving more goods by rail.
