UK: Hope Construction Unveils New VTG Designed Wagons

Image courtesy of Hope Construction Materials

The UK’s premier independent construction materials supplier, Hope Construction Materials, unveiled 48 cutting-edge rail wagons in a ceremony with Under Secretary of State for Transport Andrew Jones. The wagons, developed with VTG Rail UK, were made especially for Hope Construction, and are the culmination of a £1million over more than a decade.

The wagons are able to carry 80 tonnes, more than double the standard payload of 36 tonnes, which will increase capacity to 1,850 tonnes per train, 500 tonnes more than the predecessor fleet. The increased capacity will enable Hope to use fewer trains while meeting its delivery commitments, utilising key depots at Theale, Walsall and Dewsbury, as well as Hope’s Dagenham depot, where new packing facilities allow Hope to bag their cement in-house for the first time.

With a 20% reduction in the number of trains deployed, Hope will meet its commitment to reduce carbon emissions. It will also implement a modal shift to move one million tonnes of cement annually 33,000 truckloads from roads. Additionally, the wagons feature shorter, wheel-based bogies which reduce noise pollution.

The ribbon cutting ceremony was also attended by MP Andrew Bingham, the Chairman of the Rail Freight Group Lord Tony Berkeley, representatives from VTG Rail UK and members of the local Community Liaison Committee.

Ashley Bryan, Industrial Director at Hope Construction Materials, said:

“We are delighted to unveil this project which will result in greater efficiency and sustainability of our rail operations throughout the UK.
“Cement is the lifeblood of UK construction and key to economic development. This new deal will see Hope able to transport bigger payloads in fewer journeys, benefitting both our customers throughout Britain, but also the environment. We look forward to realising the benefits of these state of the art wagons.
“Our cement will be transported by rail to our new Dagenham plant which is set to open in the second quarter of 2016, to then be bagged and sent on to customers throughout Britain, which is something we are particularly excited about.”

Transport Minister Andrew Jones, said:

“It is a pleasure to officially unveil these new rail wagons. I am pleased to see the industry making great steps towards improving the environmental impact of their freight traffic, with more efficient, and quieter wagons, and I wish them every success in their future operations.”
Ian Shaw, Sales and Marketing Director from VTG Rail UK, said: “I am delighted that Hope Construction Materials has chosen VTG Rail UK as its supplier of new rail wagons. Both companies share similar cultures where emphasis is placed on safety, quality and reliability whilst promoting entrepreneurial behaviours.
“VTG is at the forefront of innovation in rail freight rolling stock and is able to provide the latest, most efficient wagons supported by the best customer service and technical support. These new aluminium wagons are the lightest in their class, with significantly increased payloads meaning fewer trains are needed to achieve the same annual volume.”