WH Davis, the UK’s last independent railway wagon manufacturer, has secured a major export breakthrough with a €44m (£38m) contract to supply 150 new freight wagons to Ireland.
Key takeaways:
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Major export win – WH Davis has secured a €44m deal to supply 150 freight wagons to Ireland, marking its return to exporting after 20 years and the first stage of a potential 10-year framework for up to 400 wagons.
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Workforce growth – The contract will drive a 25% expansion of its workforce at the Shirebrook site, creating 20 new skilled manufacturing jobs and boosting employment in the former mining community.
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Product & market impact – The new wagons offer 30% more capacity and faster speeds, supporting Ireland’s rail freight expansion strategy and positioning WH Davis for further European and global export opportunities.
The deal, backed by UK Export Finance (UKEF), will drive a 25% expansion of the company’s workforce at its Shirebrook site in the East Midlands.
The manufacturer, part of Buckland Rail, will grow its staff from 80 to 100 to support production. The new jobs are seen as a boost to the ex-mining community where the factory is based, strengthening skilled employment in the region.
The order marks the first tranche of a 10-year framework agreement that could see the total number of wagons delivered rise to 400. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in summer 2026, with the entire fleet in service by the end of 2027.
The wagons represent a significant boost for Irish rail freight. Offering a third more carrying capacity than Iarnród Éireann’s existing fleet and a top speed of 110 km/h – up from 80 km/h – they will help more businesses across Ireland shift goods by rail, supporting the country’s ambitious freight expansion strategy.
Managing Director Andy Houghton described the contract as a landmark moment: “We are proud to be shaping the future of rail freight with this export deal. It reaffirms the strength of UK manufacturing and provides the foundation for WH Davis to expand internationally.”
The contract was enabled through UKEF’s Bond Support Scheme, which provided an 80% guarantee for the project’s contract bond. This allowed the company’s long-standing banking partner Barclays to unlock essential capital to fund production and delivery.
The deal marks WH Davis’s return to exporting after 20 years and is expected to position the firm for further international growth. Focus is now on a second phase of the Irish contract are already underway, with opportunities to expand into wider European and global markets.
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