Freightliner to invest in new Ipswich facility

24th January 2019

Freightliner, a subsidiary of Genesee & Wyoming Inc. (G&W), have announced plans to build a new state-of-the-art locomotive, wagon maintenance and fuelling facility at the existing freight yard at Ipswich.

Described as a multi-million pound project, this significant investment will provide a boost to the local economy and create up to 20 skilled/semi skilled jobs for local people through the use of local suppliers for the procurement of equipment and materials.

Several sites throughout the UK were evaluated before a final decision was made, with Ipswich chosen due to the close proximity to the Port of Felixstowe, the UK’s largest maritime port and from which Freightliner operates 22 trains a day. Ipswich also had the advantage of already being connected to the rail network and having sufficient space for the works to take place.

The maintenance facility will have a 54 metre long steel framed building with an inspection pit, two overhead cranes and the extension of the on-site car park for contractors and staff. A wheel lathe will also be installed, allowing maintenance and re- profiling of wheel sets in this part of the country.

Tim Shakerley, Engineering & Operations Services Director for G&W’s UK/Europe Region companies said:

“There is a growing demand from the government to move more goods by rail. Each freight train takes up to 76 lorry journeys off our congested road network and is a far safer means of transport.

We take any impact we have on our neighbours and the environment very seriously and have written to local residents to give themfull details of our plans and invited them to contact our project team with any questions.”

Author: Darren Porter
Image: Freightliner