Telford railfreight terminal handles 50 trains in first year

About 50 trains carrying more than 400 containers have been handled by Telford's rail freight terminal since it was launched, council bosses said today.

Councillor Eric Carter said Telford International Railfreight Park would be a "vital transport hub".

It opened for business on June 10, 2009.

On Monday, Makita Manufacturing Europe Ltd was one of the first firm's to use the facility at Hortonwood, near Donnington, when it shipped out a consignment of more than 2,000 power tools to Dubai.

This year the company will be producing about one million power tools which will be despatched all over the globe; 90 per cent of the company's production is exported.

Paul Harris, operations director of Makita Manufacturing Europe Ltd, said: "Makita is committed to the local community and the local economy and we are delighted to be one of the first companies to use the new railfreight facility.

"Our joint consultative committee requested the company to investigate the use of the rail freight terminal as soon as they were aware the project was being launched."

Councillor Carter, cabinet member for housing regeneration and prosperity at Telford & Wrekin Council, said: "The Makita shipment to Dubai is a significant development in the transportation of freight by rail from Telford.

"Despite the uncertain economic climate, the Railfreight Park has successfully handled nearly 50 trains and more than 400 containers since its launch just over a year ago."