VTG Praised for “Ingenious” Repurposed Wagons
19th September 2017
VTG was named runner up in a closely contested Innovation and Technical Development category at the Rail Freight Group’s annual awards held on 12 September, being praised for its ingenuity in repurposing coal wagons.
The judges said: “VTG has taken redundant coal wagons and converted them into revenue generating aggregates hoppers. As coal carriers, the wagons were 18.3 m long with a maximum payload of 75 tonnes. Now they are shorter but payload is increased to 78 tonnes. This conversion is cheaper than producing new builds. It suits the end customer, Tarmac’s strategy of running increasingly bigger trains and provides demonstrable benefits for the company.”
Rob Brook, VTG’s Managing Director said: “On behalf of everyone involved in the repurposing project particularly VTG’s direct customer, GB Railfreight, and WH Davis who carried out the conversion work, I thank the judges for recognising the work they have put in and the results they have achieved. It’s another example of VTG pushing the boundaries for the whole industry and delivering success.”