WH Davis Secures €44M Irish Rail Wagon Contract

Introduction

WH Davis, the UK’s only independent railway wagon manufacturer, is set to create 20 new jobs at its Shirebrook site as part of a €44 million export contract to supply 150 freight wagons to Iarnród Éireann in Ireland. The contract, facilitated by UK Export Finance (UKEF), marks WH Davis’s first export in 20 years.

Contract Details and Financing

WH Davis, part of Buckland Rail, secured the €44 million deal to supply 150 freight wagons to Iarnród Éireann. The project has been enabled through UK Export Finance (UKEF) and its Bond Support Scheme. Barclays provided crucial capital for production and delivery, supported by an 80 per cent guarantee for the required contract bond. The order represents the first phase of a 10-year framework agreement, potentially increasing the total number of wagons supplied to 400. Deliveries are scheduled to start in summer 2026, with all wagons expected to be in service by the end of 2027.

Workforce and Economic Impact

The contract will create 20 new roles at WH Davis’s Shirebrook site in the East Midlands, increasing the workforce from 80 to 100 staff members. This expansion supports local economic growth in the former mining village. Andy Houghton, Managing Director of WH Davis, highlighted the significance of the export contract and the support from UKEF in enabling the company to pursue its ambitions. The new wagons will offer a third more carrying capacity than Ireland’s older fleet and have a maximum speed of 110kmh compared with 80kmh.

Government and Industry Support

Gareth Thomas, Minister for Exports and Small Businesses, emphasized the potential of UK manufacturers in exporting and growing, citing WH Davis’s success as an example of how support can unlock opportunities. Tim Reid at UKEF highlighted the transformative power of export finance in revitalizing local manufacturing and creating jobs. Barclays supported WH Davis with €28.7 million in UKEF-backed bonding facilities over three years. James Guthrie, UK Head of Mid-Corporate Trade at Barclays, noted the collaboration between lenders and government-backed finance in unlocking global opportunities for British exporters.

Future Prospects

WH Davis plans to target additional markets across Europe and internationally with UKEF support. Discussions for a second phase of the contract are underway, with potential for further product development and export expansion. The announcement aligns with the government’s Plan for Change and the Industrial Strategy. UKEF provided a record £14.5 billion in new financing last year, helping over 667 UK companies to export and grow, supporting up to 70,000 jobs.

Conclusion

WH Davis, the UK’s sole independent railway wagon manufacturer, secured a €44 million export contract to supply 150 freight wagons to Iarnród Éireann in Ireland. The deal is supported by UK Export Finance and Barclays, creating 20 new jobs and represents WH Davis’s first export in two decades. Deliveries are slated for 2026-2027, with the potential for further expansion.

Company Summary

WH Davis: The UK’s only independent railway wagon manufacturer and part of Buckland Rail.
Iarnród Éireann: The national railway operator of Ireland.
Barclays: A financial institution that provided support to WH Davis.
Buckland Rail: The parent company of WH Davis.