Network Rail’s Doncaster factory given the go-ahead

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Network Rail will soon begin manufacturing hundreds of thousands of concrete sleepers for a programme of track improvements after planning permission was granted for a new factory in Doncaster.

On June 25, Doncaster Council agreed planning permission for the new building and a formal agreement between Network Rail and Trackwork Moll has now been signed.

The new factory is expected to create around 30 new jobs.

Martin Elwood, director of Network Rail’s National Delivery Service, said: “This factory is crucial if we are to deliver better value for money whilst maintaining a safe, reliable railway.

“We need around 700,000 concrete sleepers each year and, once commissioned, this factory will produce around 400,000 of those. It will also directly create around 30 new jobs, with knock-on benefits to the local supply chain.”

Located on the former Woodyard site near Ten Pound Walk in Doncaster, the factory will be owned by Network Rail but built and operated by a new consortium, Trackwork Moll.

Martin Elwood added: “This is a strategic decision by Network Rail to protect the supplies which are vital for our track programme. At the same time, we can reduce costs by increasing competition and introducing more modern production methods.

“Doncaster is the ideal location for this factory as these sidings are already used as a hub for engineering trains and its central location will make distribution across Britain’s rail network easier and more efficient.”

Supply of concrete sleepers from Britain is limited to just two suppliers – one of which has given notice that they are to close their plant.

Peter Heubeck, general manager for Trackwork Moll, said: “We are delighted to have been successful and look forward to providing an excellent service from this very efficient new plant.”

Construction is due to start in July with full production to begin in spring 2013.

2 COMMENTS

  1. Wonders never cease – Network Rail actually entering the world of manufacturing! I’m suprised the DfT did not instruct them to put the work out to tender within the private sector. Perhaps they will start manufacturing track and signalling equipment next.

  2. If DfT got into the act they would most likely instruct NR to start buying the sleepers from Japan or a least a European Continental source !  Anywhere else but Britain !

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