One of Australia’s major rail rolling stock manufacturers is celebrating a significant milestone. Rail First has now constructed its 250th wagon made at its Islington facility since 2021.
All Rail First wagons are manufactured within the South Australian facility with a typical lead time of only six months. The 250th wagon will form part of the Australian Rail Track Corporation’s (ARTC) investment into modern wagons which will be used to transport lengths of rail steel direct to site across its 8500-kilometre network.
Rail First CEO Beata Lipman says manufacturing the wagons locally has extensive benefits for the Australian freight rail sector.
“Rail First is excited to be delivering this 250th rail wagon for the ARTC manufactured by our skilled workforce using Australian-made products,” Lipman says.
“Local manufacturing provides shorter lead times in the customisation and delivery of rail rollingstock, reduced cost risks associated with have to import build materials into the country, as well as better line of sight for customers in terms of safety standards and quality control during the production process.
“The strategic partnership that has been developed by Rail First and ARTC over the last few years sees us continuing to lease our Australian-made assets to ARTC for the long-term.”
ARTC’s strategic partnership with Rail First will deliver a total of 36 flat wagons to support the distribution of rail nationally, while supporting 90 local jobs at Rail First’s Islington facility during construction.
Rail First wagons will play a key role in the delivery of the Australian government and ARTC’s $1 billion Network Investment Program which will improve the resilience of the ARTC’s network.
Rail First’s equipment moves more than 50 million kilometres annually to support Australian rail operators.
CEO and Managing Director of ARTC Wayne Johnson says the partnership between the two organisations is helping foster a strong Australian rail sector.
“As a strong advocate for Australian business, jobs and manufacturing, ARTC is thrilled to receive the 250th wagon produced by Rail First,” Johnson says.
“Rail First has been a reliable partner in manufacturing wagons for ARTC for many years. Together, we share a vision of creating a safe, resilient and reliable rail network that not only connects our nation today, but also supports its future growth and the expanding freight task, serviced by rail.”
Read more ATN:
Truck driving OSCA rating officially boosted
Australia’s rise in same-day delivery shipping
JD Logistics reports global demand records