Tarmac open rail facility at Aberthaw
New facility set to remove 2,500 cement truck movements off roads in Wales and the South West
TARMAC’s Aberthaw Cement Plant has opened a rail facility that will remove some 2,500 road truck movements each year as the company delivers on its pledge to support the sustainable delivery of materials and cut transport CO2.
The new rail connection also means that trains will be used to transport cement in Wales for the first time in more than 20 years.
Tarmac say Aberthaw is playing a key role in supporting their commitment to enhancing the company’s rail freight capabilities in the delivery of more sustainable infrastructure projects, while also honouring the plant’s commitment to improving the local environment.
The opening of the facility means that bulk cement, which was previously transported by road, will now be loaded on to freight trains and dispatched to the company’s rail depots across Wales and the South West.
Chris Bradbury (pictured), Aberthaw Cement Plant manager, said: ‘Reducing our road movements by 25% is a significant achievement and it puts us in an even better position to supply materials to our customers across Wales and the South West in a more sustainable way.
‘The plant has been in operation for more than 100 years and we employ 109 people, the majority of whom live within 10 miles of the site, so this development demonstrates our commitment to the Vale of Glamorgan.’
Jane Hutt (pictured), Assembly Member for Vale of Glamorgan who officially opened the new facility, said: ‘It’s great to see this show of confidence by Tarmac in their Aberthaw operations, which will positively impact the environment – both locally and further afield.
‘Investing in infrastructure is key to supporting economic growth and it is hoped that more people locally will benefit from Tarmac’s support.’
Aberthaw Cement Plant is the only cement works in South Wales. Cement made at the plant has contributed to some of Wales’ most significant construction projects in recent times, including Pembroke Power Station, The Millennium Centre and The Senedd – home of the Welsh Government.
