GB Railfreight Opens New Maintenance Facility to Boost Efficiency

The new facility, built by Cairn Cross, will be utilized for the maintenance of Class 73, 69, and 66 locomotives by GB Railfreight’s service partners, including EMD, Wabtec, and St Leonard’s Railway Engineering.

GB Railfreight CEO John Smith stated, “Our new facility at Tonbridge demonstrates our commitment to continued investment and innovation in the rail network.”

This site complements the company’s existing maintenance network in Doncaster and Peterborough, significantly reducing the travel distance required for locomotives to reach maintenance facilities, thus cutting carbon emissions.

Additionally, the Tonbridge facility will serve as a base for rail head treatment services conducted by GB Railfreight for Network Rail, allowing passenger services in the area to benefit from the new site as well.

Adam Southern, delivery director of track treatment at Network Rail, commented, “Tonbridge is a key location for Network Rail’s autumn and winter services, assisting the Southern Region in combating poor adhesion due to leaf-fall and frost impacts on the running lines.”

The launch of the new facility, supported by industry representative body the Rail Freight Group, coincides with GB Railfreight’s efforts to support the growth ambitions of the UK rail freight industry, following the government’s implementation of a 75% growth target for 2050.