The MWA wagons will be built by WH Davis in Nottinghamshire, with the first unit due in September 2027, adding capacity for scrap steel flows into Cardiff.
GB Railfreight (GBRf) is set to receive 56 new box wagons under an agreement with Porterbrook, the rolling stock financier and asset management company, in a deal that supports UK manufacturing and the domestic steel supply chain.
The new high-volume MWA wagons will be manufactured by WH Davis in Nottinghamshire, with the first unit due to be completed in September 2027. Once in service, the fleet will be operated by GBRf to transport recycled material to 7Steel’s Cardiff site, where it will be used in the production of UK-made steel.
Larger capacity for scrap steel traffic
Each wagon has a 75m³ capacity, which the companies say is typically 25 per cent greater than standard box wagons. The design is intended to maximise payload potential and operational efficiency.
The wagons are also fitted with TF25-friendly bogies, which are designed to reduce wheel wear. This is intended to help operators lower whole-life costs while supporting a more efficient and sustainable railway.
This is a deal made in Britain, for British steelmaking, and that’s something we’re really proud to be part of.”
The agreement will see Porterbrook invest in new British rolling stock, while giving GBRf additional capacity to 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.”
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.” He added: “It’s exactly the sort of work we want to be doing, supporting British industry and moving more goods by rail.”
Andy Houghton, Managing Director of WH Davis, which is part of Buckland Rail, said the latest evolution of the MWA box wagon design delivers “a purpose-built solution for the demanding scrap steel market”.
Vorn O’Hennessy, Head of Supply Chain at 7Steel, said: “This partnership showcases UK industry working together to strengthen domestic supply chains, transforming UK scrap into UK melted and poured steel for infrastructure and construction projects.”
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