The iWagon is poised to transform rail freight with its advanced safety features and operational efficiencies, which are also expected to significantly increase wagon availability and reliability. This innovative technology represents a major leap forward in ensuring the safety and efficiency of rail operations.
Heidelberg Materials UK's decision to invest in iWagon is strongly influenced by recent UK rail incidents involving freight wagon derailments.
This first iWagon order will see Heidelberg Materials UK’s entire wagon fleet being retrofitted with the technology, with installation beginning from mid-November 2024.
Marc Hurn, Sales and Marketing Director at VTG Rail UK, said: “The iWagon provides real-time monitoring and advanced safety features. With cutting-edge technology developed by dedicated engineers and innovators from VTG and Knorr-Bremse, the iWagon integrates state-of-the-art sensors, data analytics, and automation to elevate safety, performance, and reliability standards of rail freight wagons.
“The adoption of iWagon by Heidelberg Materials UK marks a significant milestone in rail freight safety and efficiency, setting a new standard for the industry. In addition, because of the benefits iWagon technology brings it allows for cost effectiveness for customers in the commercial environment.
“The rail freight industry already has a good safety record, the development of iWagon makes it even safer. VTG Rail UK looks forward to seeing the positive impacts of iWagon on the rail freight industry and continuing to drive advancements in rail technology.”
Clare Soper, Operations Director, UK Supply Chain Cement Distribution for Heidelberg Materials UK, said: "Safety is our number one priority, so embracing VTG’s new iWagon technology was a no-brainer for us.
“We have carried out a lot of research into the system and it is clear that it will make our fleet safer by preventing incidents happening in the future.
“I am very excited to see the benefits iWagon will bring and proud to be the first in the world to use it, leading the way in adopting state-of-the-art solutions to enhance rail safety and operational performance.”
Watch the interview with Marc Hurn (Sales and Marketing Director, VTG Rail UK) and Clare Soper (Operations Director UK Supply Chain, Heidelberg Materials) here.
Learn more about the iWagon here.