GB Railfreight (GBRf) has agreed a four-year contract extension with Aggregate Industries for transporting aggregate materials.

Under the contract extension, GB Railfreight will transport aggregates from Bardon Hill in Leicestershire and the Isle of Grain in Kent to supply some of Britain’s largest infrastructure projects.

During the last ten years, the partnership with Aggregate Industries has seen GB Railfreight transport over five million tonnes of aggregate.

Using rail instead of road to transport aggregates will contribute greatly to reducing the carbon footprint of the UK’s supply chains.

It will also help the government to meet its 2050 net zero obligations by increasing the amount of goods moved by rail freight by 75% by 2050.

The benefits of moving goods by rail have been well documented. A typical train load of aggregate materials is estimated to remove up to 100 long-distance HGV moments from Britain’s congested roads whilst also reducing emissions by 76%.

In October, GB Railfreight was awarded a mark of 94/100 in the Global Real Estate Sustainability Benchmark.

Each year, GB Railfreight transports over five million tonnes of aggregate and sand, as well as 600,000 tonnes of cement.

Such materials are critical for the construction industry to help the Government achieve its target of building 1.5m homes over the next five years.

Last March, GB Railfreight secured an agreement with leasing company Porterbrook for the supply of 50 new type JNA-X box wagons.

GB Railfreight has a long-standing relationship with Aggregate Industries, which both companies are committed to extending and hope to continue for many years.

By transporting aggregates by rail will reduce the carbon footprint of moving construction materials essential for building homes and some of the UK’s biggest infrastructure projects.

“Extending our partnership with GB Railfreight recognises the close working relationship forged between the two companies and the importance of shared goals. We value the professionalism, enthusiasm and innovation demonstrated daily by the staff of GB Railfreight in delivering our services. Together with GB Railfreight, Aggregate Industries are committed to providing excellence in customer service and making sustainable construction a reality.”

Simon Blake, General Manager (Rail) – Aggregate Industries