WH Davis to build 56 MWA box wagons for GBRf scrap traffic to Cardiff

British rail freight operator GB Railfreight (GBRf) is set to receive 56 new high-capacity box wagons to carry scrap metal to the electric arc furnace in Cardiff belonging to steelmaker 7 Steel. The MWA wagons are to be built by Nottinghamshire-based manufacturer WH Davis and leased from rolling stock company Porterbrook. At 75 m³, each wagon holds 25% more than a standard box wagon, Porterbrook said.

The first of the MVA box wagons is scheduled to be completed in September 2027. They will have TF25 track-friendly bogies designed to reduce wheel wear. To maximise the potential payload and operational efficiency they will have a capacity of 75 m³, which Porterbrook said is 25% greater than standard box wagons.

“This is a deal made in Britain, for British steelmaking, and that’s something we’re really proud to be part of”, said Liam Day, Interim Managing Director at GBRf, when the order was announced on November 5. “These wagons will be built in Nottinghamshire, operated by GBRf and used to move recycled material into Cardiff to support steel production. 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 Buckland Rail subsidiary WH Davis, said “the latest evolution of our MWA box wagon design demonstrates the strength of British engineering and manufacturing, delivering a purpose-built solution for the demanding scrap steel market. By combining innovative design with domestic manufacturing expertise, we are delivering practical benefits for customers while supporting jobs, skills and the wider UK supply chain.”

This story was originally published by RailFreight.com. Read the full story at RailFreight.com →