Glasgow-headquartered Russell Group, also known by variations on the founder’s name, John G. Russell, has bought over the Coatbridge Rail Terminal, currently operated by Freightliner. Insiders have been expecting the move for some time, and the acquisition has been a long-held ambition of the company. Russell Group say the move strengthens their commitment to sustainable logistics and reinforces their position in the logistics industry. The terminal has an existing portfolio of intermodal connections to major ports in England.
The intermodal terminal is located directly adjacent to the existing Russell Group operation in Scotland. The acquisition of the Coatbridge rail terminal has given rise to a new trading entity, Russell RailRoad Limited. The name would suggest the company proposes to use the terminal’s storage capacity, currently over 2,500 TEU, to facilitate ‘trunk rail, local road’ (often called “last mile” delivery).
Benefits to stakeholders, staff and customers
The expansion of Russell Group’s rail operations has been long anticipated within the logistics community. Coatbridge has been an expected target for some time. “[This] will bring numerous benefits to stakeholders across the board”, said a statement from the company. “For employees, the growth of the company presents new career opportunities and avenues for professional development through the expansion of our operations and the diversification of services offered.”
Sustainable logistics has been on the Scottish Government’s agenda, too. Coatbridge was, in fact, the venue chosen for the launch (in 2019) of a support package for the industry designed to encourage environmental initiatives and a modal shift to rail. Russell Group says the shift towards rail freight will significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, aligning with their commitment to achieve NetZero by 2040.
Silver lining is in fact, purple
The Coatbridge Terminal has eight rail sidings with six rails under the cranes. There are two rail areas, each with three rail sidings and served by two overhead gantry cranes. The site is fully electrified. Coatbridge is one of three terminals that might be described as a Scottish equivalent of the “Golden Triangle” a lose geographical area in the Midlands of England, where a cluster of logistics parks have grown up around a large population and market area. Coatbridge is within a few hours of almost three-quarters of the entire Scottish population.
“Acquiring Freightliner’s Coatbridge site unlocks many new supply chain opportunities for our company’s future”, said Alan Poulton, Russell Group CEO. “Integrating this strategic asset into our intermodal network expands our network, offering customers increased connectivity and faster deliveries across more diverse routes and destinations.” There had been a question mark over Freightliner’s continued involvement in the terminal, which cast a cloud over its future. The silver lining appears to have come in the purple colours of Russell Group.
