John G Russell, part of the Russell Group, is set to exhibit its rail service to France, which was launched following a restricted capacity trial period, at this year’s Multimodal show.

The service is operated by Eurotunnel subsidiary Europorte, supported by GB Railfreight, and runs between Barking and Dourges, near Lille, Monday to Friday.

Two principle customers have already  been signed up, one of which is Procter & Gamble transport supplier 2XL.

The company plans to spend €654,445 (£520,000) over two years on 90ft wagons with modified couplings, which will be able to haul a 1,600-tonne train.

Ken Russell, director at John G Russell, said: "We are very pleased with how well this project has gone so far with the train operating at about 95% efficiency. Naturally, this is a new area for us and we have had to learn a lot and learn quickly, but the feedback has been great and we are confident that demand will continue to increase.”

The Russell Group will be exhibiting on stand 720 at this year’s Multimodal, which takes place at the Birmingham NEC on 28-30 April.

Over 300 exhibitors are signed up to appear at the event, with operators including Potter Logistics, Howard Tenens, Miniclipper Logistics, Canute Group and Malcolm Logistics also planning to have stands at the event.

Some 64 speakers from organisations such as the CILT, Lafarge, DB Schenker, Boots and Sainsbury’s will participate in 22 seminar sessions. Topics include multi-channel retail, transport compliance, incentivising 3PLs and the future of rail freight.

Those planning to attend can register now for free.

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