Australia’s rail industry is celebrating a significant achievement as Rail First, a leading rolling
stock manufacturer marks the production of its 250th wagon since 2021 at its Islington
facility.
The milestone underscores the ongoing growth and expansion of the rail transport sector
and will help to grow more freight on rail.
All Rail First wagons are manufactured within its Islington, South Australia facility with typical lead times of only six months.
The 250th wagon will join the Australian Rail Track Corporation’s (ARTC) fleet of wagons which transport rail steel across its 8,500 kilometre network, ensuring the seamless delivery of rail track during the construction of major rail infrastructure projects and re-railing activities across the network.
These projects are crucial to building the capacity of Australia’s rail system and getting trucks off our roads. Additionally, Rail First wagons will play a key role in the delivery of the Australian Government’s and ARTC’s $1 billion Network Investment Program which will
strengthen ARTC’s network along the country’s busiest rail corridors.
Rail First and ARTC’s strategic partnership will result in the delivery of 36 flat wagons to
enhance the distribution of rail, while supporting 90 local jobs at Rail First’s Islington facility.
Rail First is proudly Australian, with manufacturing and maintenance facilities located in
South Australia, New South Wales and Victoria. The company employs more than 135 skilled workers including engineers and trades people and serves the entire Australian
market for locomotives and wagons.
Its equipment moves more than 50 million kilometres annually supporting Australian rail
operators.
Beata Lipman, CEO Rail First said:
“Rail First is excited to be delivering this 250th rail wagon for the ARTC manufactured by our skilled workforce using Australian-made products.
Local manufacturing provides shorter lead times in the customisation and delivery of rail
rollingstock, reduced cost risks associated with having to import build materials into the
country, as well as a better line of sight for customers in terms of safety standards and quality
control during the production process.
The strategic partnership that has been developed between Rail First and ARTC over the
last few years sees us continuing to lease our Australian-made assets to ARTC for the long-
term.”
Wayne Johnson, CEO and Managing Director, ARTC said:
“As a strong advocate for Australian business, jobs and manufacturing, ARTC is thrilled to receive the 250th wagon manufactured by Rail First.
This addition to our wagon fleet is essential for transporting rail steel to our maintenance
and major rail infrastructure projects that enhance the capacity, efficiency and resilience of our 8,500-kilometre rail network.
Rail First has been a reliable partner in manufacturing wagons for ARTC for many years.
Together, we share a vision of creating a safe, resilient and reliable rail network that not only
connects our nation today but also supports its future growth and the expanding freight task,
serviced by rail.”