Strengthening Local Supply Resilience Through the Rugby Rail Depot
“We knew we’d uncovered something significant, so we stopped our works so we could figure out what had actually been found. It was a very exciting moment for our team.”
Mark Collier, Alrewas Quarry Manager – Materials
In 2025, Tarmac expanded its lower carbon logistics capability with the opening of a new rail aggregates depot in Rugby. The development transformed a previously unused rail siding, leased from Network Rail, into an operational hub supporting the efficient delivery of essential construction materials. Bringing the site back into use reflects Tarmac’s ongoing commitment to modernising its logistics network and increasing the role of rail in transporting materials to key markets.
Delivering Lower Carbon Material Distribution
The Rugby depot enables aggregates to be brought directly into the town by rail, with only the final distribution to customers completed by road. This shift from long‑distance HGV haulage to rail significantly improves the efficiency of local deliveries and reduces transport‑related carbo emissions. By positioning materials closer to where they are needed, the depot supports housing, infrastructure and commercial development across the area, strengthening supply resilience and improving service for local projects.
Driving More Sustainable Construction Logistics
The opening of the Rugby depot forms part of Tarmac’s wider strategy to make greater use of rail across its logistics operations. Increasing rail movements helps reduce emissions, ease pressure on road networks and support more sustainable construction across the value chain. The reactivation of the Rugby site demonstrates the practical steps being taken to deliver cleaner, more efficient material distribution while contributing to regional economic growth.
Project voices
“We’re proud to be opening our new Rugby depot and putting a disused rail site back into action. By bringing materials directly into the town, we can reduce the need for long road journeys and provide a more efficient service for our customers. This is another important step in our
commitment to making greater use of rail, reducing carbon, and supporting the delivery of local construction projects.”
Chris Swan, Head of Rail at Tarmac
Gregory March, Freight Business Development
Manager at Network Rail, added:
“Bringing disused commercial freight sites back into use is critical to our collective mission to grow rail freight in the short, medium, and long term future. I’m delighted to have worked closely with Tarmac and collaboratively with industry colleagues to make the site at Rugby a productive commercial freight reality again.”
Looking Ahead
The Rugby rail depot strengthens Tarmac’s ability to supply materials more sustainably and efficiently to the local construction market. As the company continues to expand its use of rail across its logistics network, the Rugby project serves as a strong example of how reactivating disused rail assets can cut emissions, reduce road congestion and enhance supply resilience. These steps contribute directly to Tarmac’s wider sustainability commitments and support the transition toward a lower‑carbon construction industry.
