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If anyone can GBRf Alcan! 11 February 2010
Freight haulier enters new market as it signs Rio Tinto Alcan deal
First GBRf, the UK’s most reliable freight haulier, has agreed a new £2 million, three-year contract with global aluminium business Rio Tinto Alcan for the carriage of coal and alumina.
Although well established in the British coal market, the contract gives First GBRf the opportunity to move alumina for the first time.
The contract was awarded to the rail freight haulier after a thorough process of tender activity with numerous rail service providers.
Steve White, senior buyer, Rio Tinto Alcan, Lynemouth, commented: “Coal and alumina are essential raw materials in our manufacturing process and the focus of the agreement is to develop and maintain a business relationship which delivers cost efficiency and sustainability for both businesses.”
The contract is scheduled to start on 22 February. First GBRf will be running five trains per day from Blyth ship unloading facility, Port of Tyne and Steadsburn to Lynemouth and Lochaber (Fort William) transporting coal, alumina and other materials used in the aluminium manufacturing process.
As part of the agreement First GBRf will be developing a solution to transport finished products from Lochaber (Fort William) to Lynemouth and Port of Blyth.
This will be a new route for the freight haulier, which will increase its already strong presence in the North East and further solidify its operations in Scotland.
This latest contract success for First GBRf, in addition to winning another new commodity, will bring new business to rail, away from road.
John Smith, managing director, First GBRf, said: “Rio Tinto Alcan is a very exciting contract for First GBRf and presents us with a new commodity to work with. As part of the contract we will be introducing new methods of working in order to convey more product - from road to rail - for our client as well as changing the delivery pattern to Fort William to improve their supply chain.”
White added: “The realisation of this agreement underlines the desire by Rio Tinto Alcan and its partners to reduce the impact on the environment. We can do this by reducing vehicle movements through the Scottish Highlands to our sister site at Lochaber, Fort William and maximising transportation of raw materials and finished goods by rail. This in turn increases the volume transported on the West Highland rail network and enables Rio Tinto Alcan to reduce its transport emissions by up to 80 per cent.”
First GBRf is one of the UK's leading specialist rail freight companies, operating a wide ranging portfolio of intermodal and bulk traffic services in commodities such as coal, petrochemicals, mail and parcels, and construction materials. Its innovative approach and focus on flexibility, reliability and customer service has led to a raft of rail industry awards and a number of recent significant contract wins.
Woodhouse Communications issued this release on behalf of First GBRf.
For more information contact Vicky Leek of Woodhouse Communications on 01444 221000 or email vicky@woodhousecommunications.co.uk
