The two companies celebrated by further cementing their relationship when DB Schenker Rail UK’s Class 60 locomotive (60044) was named Dowlow, in honour of Hope’s Dowlow site.
The naming ceremony was performed by DB Schenker Rail UK CEO Geoff Spencer and Hope Construction Materials CEO Chris Plant. Afterwards they both enjoyed a cab ride on the locomotive. It took place at the official opening of Hope’s new €1.68 million (£1.2 million) upgraded facility in Walsall, West Midlands, England which includes a railhead and concrete plant.
Speaking at the naming ceremony, Chris Plant said: “Our investment in our Walsall plant means that we can now bring in aggregates by rail from our quarry near Buxton in Derbyshire; and we can also bring in cement by rail from our Hope cement works site in Derbyshire. This in turn means that we have all the key ingredients for concrete here on one site, ready to provide a slick and efficient first class supply service to construction companies in this very busy area. In addition to marking the official opening of our new Walsall Plant, it was a pleasure to work with DB Schenker Rail UK to officially name the locomotive which will pull the wagons of aggregates, ‘Dowlow’.”
Geoff Spencer said: “This is the beginning of a long-term partnership between DB Schenker Rail UK and Hope Construction Materials. The volumes are expected to grow significantly during the contract and we are proud to be supporting Hope Construction Materials in achieving its goals. We were delighted to name our loco 60044 in honour of Dowlow quarry and to further cement our relationship with Hope Construction Materials, a young company that is quickly establishing itself in the British market.”
