Porterbrook agrees deal with GBRf for 56 new wagons to support UK steelmaking
Porterbrook, the UK’s leading rolling stock financier and asset management company, has agreed a deal to supply 56 new box wagons to GB Railfreight (GBRf), the country’s largest rail freight company, supporting domestic manufacturing from rail freight to steel production.
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.
The agreement will see Porterbrook invest in new British rolling stock, supporting skilled UK manufacturing while providing GBRf with 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. By working in partnership with GB Railfreight and WH Davies, we’re helping to ensure the sector can continue to meet the changing needs of customers and the industry.”
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.
“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 WH Davis, said“WH Davis, part of Buckland Rail, is delighted to be partnering with Porterbrook and GBRf on this new wagon build. 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.”
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. By improving the efficient movement of materials, it supports jobs, sustainability and greater resilience across the UK economy.”
With a 75m³ capacity — typically 25% greater than standard box wagons — the design maximises payload potential and operational efficiency.
Fitted with TF25-friendly bogies, the wagons are designed to reduce wheel wear, helping operators lower whole-life costs while supporting a more efficient and sustainable railway.
