A boost for UK rail freight and manufacturing. That was the conclusion of a ministerial visit last week to the only independent freight rolling stock manufacturer in the UK. In a show of support for the UK rail freight industry and manufacturing prowess, Rail Minister Huw Merriman visited the engineering works of WH Davis, the country’s sole remaining independent freight rolling stock manufacturer. The visit, accompanied by local member of parliament Mark Fletcher MP, marked an opportunity to witness firsthand the cutting-edge innovation and dedication that powers the industry’s growth.

Transforming former coal wagons into environmental workhorses has been something of a signature accomplishment for WH Davis, the esteemed rail wagon manufacturer with a history dating back to 1908. In the intervening century and more, the company has continued to evolve and adapt to the changing landscape of rail transport.

Their latest feat, which undoubtedly caught the Minister’s attention, is the completion of a batch of colossal hopper wagons tailored for the Drax Power Station complex. These thirty brand new wagons will join the Drax fleet of 225 wagons, previously built by WH Davis, to provide a sustainable solution to transport environmentally friendly wood pellets from northern ports to the power station complex.

Ministerial visit highlights industry importance

These wagons are designed to give maximum capacity for the biomass product. Handling is complicated by the bulk but light density of the material. To help with handling, the vehicles are fully automated to integrate with the top-loading and bottom-discharging systems employed by Drax. The wagons and the work undertaken at the manufacturing base represent the sort of contribution the rail industry’s freight sector makes to the modernised industrial profile of the UK and is something the government in London would like to promote and champion.

To follow up that government ambition, Huw Merriman, the recently appointed Minister of State for Rail, and Mark Fletcher MP, embarked on a fact-finding visit to WH Davis’ manufacturing facilities in Shirebrook recently. Their presence underscored the importance of supporting UK rail freight and manufacturing sectors – something that has not always been apparent in the corridors of power. However, Merriman may well have felt something of a personal affiliation. Although his parliamentary career sees him represent a constituency on the south coast, he did stand for election locally earlier in his political life. The minister has been touring a number of rail locations (he also has responsibility for HS2 in his portfolio).

Local Pride and National Significance

During the visit, Minister Merriman engaged with WH Davis’ leadership and employees, discussing the company’s current challenges and role in the broader rail freight landscape. The visit was an opportunity for the Minister to learn about the innovative approaches taken by the company to support the UK’s freight transportation needs. Accompanied by Mark Fletcher MP, who expressed his pleasure at having the Rail Minister visit WH Davis, the politicians recognised the company’s substantial contribution to the local community and the broader rail sector.

Andy Houghton, the Managing Director of WH Davis, expressed his delight at hosting the Rail Minister and Mark Fletcher at the company’s manufacturing facility. The visit showcased the company’s dedication to British manufacturing, further reinforcing its crucial role in the industry. Colleague and group engineering director Les Bryant echoed the sentiments of the visit, emphasising the significance of WH Davis’ contributions. The discussion between the Minister and WH Davis representatives centred around the company’s integration into the rail freight ecosystem, its innovative products, and the challenges WH Davis faces, notably European competitors and a perceived skills shortage in the UK.