The Midlands based rail freight wagon leasing company then topped a successful night by being named runner up in the Environmental Innovation category.
VTG won the Support Service Provider award for introducing for the first time the co-location of personnel from its wagon leasing company within a customer’s organisation which benefits both parties.
Fleet controllers Martyn Catlin and Kevin York were the first VTG staff members to be co-located with a customer. Martyn is based at GB Railfreight’s control centre in Peterborough, whilst Kevin works in Mendip Rail’s offices at Merehead in Somerset.
A delighted Rob Brook, VTG Rail UK’s Managing Director, praised all involved in the co-location scheme. He said: “Working with the customer means the information flow is maximised and issues can be resolved on the spot. Our people are totally immersed in our customers’ business.”
VTG was named runner up in the Environmental Innovation for what the judges described as an “example of true partnership” between VTG Rail UK and Hope Construction Materials to design and build lighter and quieter wagons with increased payload, enabling Hope to move more product – cement – in fewer trains.
Rob said he was ‘delighted and honoured’ to be judged a success by the industry.
He said: “In the ten years I have been its managing director, VTG Rail UK has worked hard to be innovative and at the forefront of positive change, more than capable of taking the lead when necessary.
“Our success tonight is a recognition that we are continuing in the right direction.”
Over 120 people from across the rail freight sector attended the annual awards dinner which was held at Shendish Manor in Hertfordshire
Tony Berkeley, RFG Chairman, said: “Our awards highlight the success of the rail freight sector and the commitment of all who work in it. It is particularly pleasing to see continued private sector investment despite challenging times. Congratulations to all our winners and runners up.”
Note to editors:
- This release was issued on behalf of VTG Rail UK by Woodhouse Communications. Telephone: 01444 221000
- VTG AG has the largest private wagon fleet in Europe. Globally the fleet consists of about 80,000 rail freight cars with a focus on tank cars and state of the art high capacity freight cars and flat cars.