UK: Infrastructure manager Network Rail has signed rail supply framework contracts with three steel manufacturers. The deals run for five years, with an option for a further five.
The largest part of the framework will see Tata Steel's Scunthorpe plant supply around 140 000 tonnes of rail per year, depending on requirements. This will meet around 95% of Network Rail's needs and account for around 5% of annual steel output from the Scunthorpe site. The products to be supplied will include some of the 'latest, harder-wearing high performance rail', according to the infrastructure manager.
ArcelorMittal and Voestalpine will also supply a variety of rail types.
'We are renewing and enhancing more and more of Britain's railway over the next five years and it's crucial that we have a trusted and secure supply chain to help us achieve that safely and efficiently said Patrick Butcher, Network Rail's Group Finance Director.
