Freightliner Wins Two 5-Year Rail Contracts with Breedon

Historic Partnership Reinforced Through Strategic Investments

The British rail transport sector is experiencing a major transformation with the announcement of the strengthened partnership between Freightliner and Breedon Group plc. This collaboration, now spanning over 25 years, perfectly illustrates reliability and operational excellence in rail logistics.

The two new five-year contracts represent a considerable strategic investment. They cover not only the renewal of existing services but also expansion into new business sectors, demonstrating both partners' capacity for adaptation and innovation.

Cement Transport Contract Renewal: Over Two Decades of Excellence

The first component of this agreement concerns the renewal of the cement transport contract, a service that has operated successfully for more than a quarter-century. This longevity testifies to the exceptional quality of services provided by Freightliner.

Operations are structured around cement transport from Hope Cement Works to strategic distribution sites across the United Kingdom, notably:

• Dagenham - Major southeastern logistics hub
• Theale - Central distribution point
• Dewsbury - Yorkshire platform
• Walsall - Midlands nerve center

The renewed agreement also integrates transport of alternative raw materials (ARM) from Llandudno and Drax power station to cement works. This comprehensive approach illustrates both companies' commitment to a circular and sustainable economy.

Infrastructure Modernization: Investment in Earles Branch Lines

To accommodate increased rail traffic, Freightliner has invested in modernizing Earles branch lines. These infrastructure improvements guarantee smooth operations and optimize transport capacity, thus meeting Breedon's growing needs.

New Aggregates Transport Contract: Strategic Expansion

The second contract marks a historic milestone with the introduction of aggregates transport, a new business sector for this partnership. The first service under this contract was launched on June 28th, establishing a new standard in construction materials logistics.

Operations cover material transport from Dowlow and Shap quarries to Breedon's own sites at Ashbury and Walsall, as well as to third-party locations nationwide. This geographical diversification strengthens both companies' competitive position.

Technological Innovations and Class 70 Locomotive Deployment

The utilization of Class 70 locomotives represents a significant technological leap. These powerful machines enable operation of longer and heavier trains, directly contributing to improved production, efficiency, and sustainability of Breedon's supply chain.

Class 70 locomotives, developed by General Electric, offer a traction capacity of 3,200 horsepower and can haul payloads up to 6,000 tonnes. This technical performance translates into significant reduction in required rotations and operational cost optimization.

Wagon Transformation Project: Sustainable Innovation

In an exceptional sustainable innovation approach, Freightliner has partnered with WH Davis and Porterbrook for a revolutionary project of converting residual coal wagons into aggregate container wagons.

This transformation, carried out at the WH Davis factory in Mansfield, perfectly illustrates commitment to circular economy. It allows giving a second life to obsolete rail equipment while strengthening the British supply chain.

New Maintenance and Refueling Facility

Investment in a new maintenance and refueling facility located at Dowlow quarry demonstrates Freightliner's commitment to operational excellence. This strategic facility optimizes downtime and significantly improves overall service efficiency.

Stakeholder Perspectives

Breedon Group's Vision

Tony Power, Head of Procurement at Breedon, emphasized that these two new contracts represent a "major step forward" in enhancing safety, sustainability, and efficiency of Breedon's rail portfolio. He highlighted Freightliner's "commitment to offer excellent service and performance" as crucial for meeting all stakeholder requirements.

Freightliner's Perspective

Dave Penney, Managing Director of Heavy Haul & Rail Services at Freightliner, expressed delight regarding the partnership extension with Breedon. He highlighted seamless continuation of the cement contract and new aggregates transport across the UK, considering this "long-standing partnership" as testament to the "high reliability of daily service" provided by the Freightliner team.

Impact on the British Rail Transport Industry

These contracts not only solidify Freightliner's position as a key logistics provider for Breedon. They also demonstrate shared commitment to modernizing and greening transport of essential construction materials across the United Kingdom.

The British rail industry, representing approximately 18% of freight transport according to Department for Transport data, directly benefits from these innovations. These investments contribute to national objectives of transport decarbonization and CO2 emission reduction.

In conclusion, this reinforced partnership between Freightliner and Breedon Group establishes a new standard of excellence in British rail transport, combining economic performance, technological innovation, and environmental responsibility.