Rail movement of aggregates on the increase

BDS Marketing Research launch brand new sector report on aggregates movements by rail

DESPITE an overall fall in the volume of freight moved by rail in recent years, the aggregates industry has increased the proportion of its total output transported to market in this way. This is expected to increase as more depots have recently opened and others are planned.

These are some of the findings of a new sector report, published for the first time, by BDS Marketing Research, entitled: ‘Estimated outputs of aggregates moved through rail depots in Great Britain’.

‘Since the recession, aggregates companies have increased the share of output moved by rail by more than 65%,’ said Andy Sales, author of the report. ‘We are expecting this to increase in the next few years following the recent activity in new facilities being opened and planned.’

The BDS report estimates that in excess of 16 million tonnes of aggregates were transported to a network of more than 70 separate rail depots in 2015.

Facilities in the South East were the main recipient of this material, predominantly in the form of crushed rock, of which it has limited reserves. The region accounts for around 70% of the total volume handled at rail depots.

The ability to transfer road movements to the rail network is attractive to both aggregates companies and the Government, as they each continue their efforts to improve their sustainability credentials and reduce carbon emissions.

The report estimates the volumes and market shares of all of the companies operating aggregates rail depots by county, region and nationally. It also includes information on newly opened and planned rail depots.

The independent report will provide essential reading for companies involved in the supply and movement of aggregates, as well as industry observers and other companies looking to invest in the industry.

For further details of the report, contact Andy Sales on tel: (01761) 433035; email: [email protected]; or visit: www.bdsmarketing.co.uk

BDS Marketing Research are a marketing consultancy who publish reports in the heavy building materials industry, including aggregates, ready-mixed concrete, asphalt, concrete products, cement and waste.

They are also commissioned by individual companies to undertake marketing work, such as market and customer research, new product development, due diligence and acquisition appraisals.