What's Happening?
WH Davis, the UK's last independent railway wagon manufacturer, has secured a €44 million contract to supply 150 new freight wagons to Ireland. This deal marks a significant export breakthrough for the company, which has not engaged in exporting for 20 years. The contract, backed by UK Export Finance, will lead to a 25% increase in the workforce at WH Davis's Shirebrook site, creating 20 new skilled manufacturing jobs. The wagons offer 30% more capacity and faster speeds, supporting Ireland's rail freight expansion strategy. Deliveries are set to begin in summer 2026, with the entire fleet operational by the end of 2027.
Why It's Important?
The deal is a landmark moment for WH Davis, reaffirming the strength of UK manufacturing and providing a foundation for international expansion. The workforce growth will boost employment in the former mining community of Shirebrook, enhancing skilled job opportunities in the region. The wagons' increased capacity and speed will aid Ireland's ambitious freight expansion strategy, facilitating more businesses to shift goods by rail. This contract positions WH Davis for further European and global export opportunities, potentially leading to additional phases of the Irish contract and expansion into wider markets.
What's Next?
WH Davis is already in discussions for a second phase of the Irish contract, which could see the total number of wagons delivered rise to 400. The company is also exploring opportunities to expand into wider European and global markets. The contract was enabled through UKEF's Bond Support Scheme, which provided an 80% guarantee for the project's contract bond, unlocking essential capital for production and delivery. As WH Davis returns to exporting, it is expected to leverage this deal for further international growth.
