DB Cargo has extended its contract to continue delivering aggregates for Mendip Rail for the next five years.

Until recently the company was known as ‘DB Schenker Rail’ and each week delivers aggregates on over 100 trains from quarries in Somerset to the South East and London.

The trains used are the heaviest in the UK, ‘Class 59 jumbo locomotives’, which can carry in excess of 3,300 tonnes in its 44 wagons.

DB Cargo UK’s Head of Building, Infrastructure and Construction, Mick Tinsley, said the company is pleased to be extending its long term association with Mendip Rail.

He said that the primary reason for Mendip Rail wanting to carry on the partnership was the proven ability of DB Cargo UK to consistently deliver the required high volume of aggregates.

Mr Tinsley added that throughout the next few years, both organisations will share a commitment to continue to meet the rising demands of the lively construction market in the South East.

The company works for Mendip Rail at 33 different depots across the South of England, with seven loading material points, including Hanson Aggregates Whatley Quarry (Somerset), Midland Quarry Products Cliffe Hill Quarry (Leicestershire) and Avonmouth Docks (Bristol).

Upon reaching West London, the Class 59s split up into two or three smaller trains to ensure that aggregates are delivered to their final points with increased efficiency and less impact on the environment.

Among the delivered products are rail ballasts for the London Underground network and aggregates to be used in asphalt and concrete.

A dedicated management set up has also been announced by DB Cargo, with joint management reviews held every day at Mendip Rail’s offices in Merehead, Somerset.

130 freight aggregate wagons from VTG Rail UK have also been hired by Mendip Rail, which are to be used on the line between London and Somerset in the summer.