Double win for Fort William
Monday 17 Jan 2005
A new contract from Alcan, the aluminium producer, to haul 40,000 tonnes of aluminium ingot per annum by rail has been won by EWS. The contract has allowed EWS has extended its daily multi-user rail freight return service to include Saturdays between Mossend on the M8 motorway in central Scotland and Fort William in the West Highlands benefitting other businesses in the region.
The Alcan contract involves moveing aluminium ingots from Alcan’s smelter in Fort William to Mossend and then onward to Newport Docks in South Wales for delivery to Novelis’ rolling mill at Rogerstone.
Iain McCulloch, Alcan Production Control Manager, said: “Alcan is delighted to be working with EWS to enable the haulage of aluminium ingots by rail. As a significant employer in the West Highlands, Alcan is always aware of the need to be mindful of the effects its operations have on the local community. This move from road to rail delivers many sustainable benefits for the West Highlands, and will enable us to continue to provide our customers with the level of service they demand.â€
Frank Roach, Rail Development Manager for the Highland Rail Partnership, said: “This new contract between Alcan and EWS is good news for the West Highlands. It represents the avoidance of 3,500 trucks and 630,000 lorry miles per annum on the A82 through scenic Glen Coe, and is a major contribution to the overall target of the Highland Rail Partnership to achieve significant modal shift from road to rail.â€
Chris Polack, EWS Metals Business Manager, said: “EWS is pleased to have developed its existing relationship with Alcan, bringing total tonnage moved for Alcan by EWS in the UK to over half a million tonnes a year. The removal of heavy goods vehicles from the A82 is welcome news for local residents. In addition, the new Saturday rail freight service will enable more goods to be transferred from road to rail in the West Highlands.â€
Nigel Jones, EWS General Manager Commercial Services, said: “The introduction of this additional multi-user rail freight service further enhances the ability of businesses in the West Highlands to use rail freight for their haulage requirements. The service, connecting in with over 800 services that deliver goods to all parts of Britain and to Europe, further opens up trading opportunities in the West Highlands.â€
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