Freightliner 50th anniversary

Freightliner, the UK’s largest rail maritime intermodal operator, will celebrate its 50th anniversary on 12 November. The date marks 50 years since the running of the first train, which ran from London to Glasgow. Customers, industry representatives and colleagues will mark the anniversary with an event at the National Rail Museum in York. At the event, the Secretary of State for Transport, Rt. Hon. Patrick McLoughlin MP, will deliver a keynote speech.

Since its creation in 1965, Freightliner has gone from strength to strength. The company was sold through a management buyout in 1996, after three decades as part of both British Rail and the National Freight Corporation. This move formed part of the wider privatization of the UK rail and infrastructure operations.

Since privatization, Freightliner has experienced significant growth and has diversified beyond deep-sea intermodal traffic with the creation of several subsidiaries, including Freightliner Heavy Haul, Logico, Freightliner Maintenance, Freightliner Poland and Freightliner Australia. The acquisition of ERS Railways in the Netherland has also been completed, and the company has more recently expanded into the Middle East in the form of a UK consortium.

Earlier in 2015, the company was acquired by Genesee & Wyoming, a US-based owner of short line and regional freight railroads that operates in five countries.

Jack Hellmann, President and Chief Executive Officer of Genesee & Wyoming, said: “Freightliner is an excellent strategic fit for G&W, adding a world-class intermodal and heavy haul franchise as the foundation of G&W’s U.K./Europe business and unlocking more opportunities in Australia.”

“Working with Freightliner’s talented management team, who have a long track record of success in building Freightliner over the past two decades, we expect to grow the business even more and also unlock a range of investment opportunities worldwide.”

Freightliner Chief Executive Russell Mears said: “Our 50 year anniversary is a significant achievement. Freightliner is a respected, premium rail brand and our staff, some of whom have been with the company for over 40 years, are proud to be part of a successful organisation with such a rich history.’’

Adapted from press release by Rebecca Bowden

Read the article online at: https://www.worldcement.com/the-americas/23102015/freightliner-50-anniversary-838/