We officially opened our new rail depot in Small Heath, Birmingham, last week, which will allow the business to increase its use of trains to transport its products and reduce truck movements. This aligns with CEMEX’s efforts to enhance the sustainability of its operation as part of its ‘Future in Action – Committed to Net Zero CO₂’ strategy.

Following a significant investment and the completion of major infrastructure works the new depot, which is located in Small Heath, has welcomed its first train and moving forward will receive aggregates from CEMEX’s Dove Holes quarry. From there, the material will be transported out to construction projects in the Birmingham market.

Dave Hart, Supply Chain Director for the UK and France, commented: “As the UK’s second largest city, Birmingham plays an important role in our strategy to focus on metro markets and the opening of this depot will allow us to increase volume and service provision – we are anticipating four trains per week will pass through this depot.

However, the opening of the Small Heath rail depot will not just allow us to further grow our business; it also offers considerable sustainability benefits as it will enable us to maximise the use of rail as a more efficient means of transport for our products. Potentially, this depot could mean 17,000 less trucks on the road each year, with an approximate annual CO₂ saving of 2,200 tonnes.”

CEMEX has partnered with GB Railfreight and GRS to ensure a smooth operation and service at its Small Heath depot.

Liam Day, Commercial Director of GB Railfreight, said: “With the global climate change conference currently underway, CEMEX’s investment in its new depot demonstrates the key role rail freight is playing in reducing the impact of carbon emissions. This increase in capacity will enable us to operate more trains into Small Heath and will remove congestion from some of Birmingham’s busiest roads.”

CEMEX’s use of trains to move its building materials is growing year on year, with considerable efforts being made by the business to switch from road freight to rail and sea. In 2020, the increased use of rail transport saved 150,000 road movements & 17.5kt of CO₂ from being released into the air.

For more information, visit: www.cemex.co.uk