A new centre for storing newly-manufactured lengths of rail has been opened by British Steel in Scunthorpe, where most rail for British tracks is made.

BS said the new £10 million ‘stocking hub’ will make sure that new rail is ready when needed for Network Rail projects.

It said the rails ‘will have undergone stringent testing and quality assurance checks required to meet the specification to allow immediate despatch or welding into 216m lengths’.

The new centre has 11 multi-gantry hoists to lift the finished rails on to wagons. When fully stocked, the hub will hold around 25,000 tonnes of finished rails.

British Steel’s commercial director, rail, Craig Harvey said: ‘We are committed to building the railways of the future, and this investment supports the government’s ambition to improve rail travel and connectivity.

‘It will also enhance our long-term strategic partnership with Network Rail – a partnership which helps millions of passengers and freight operators enjoy safe, enjoyable, and timely journeys.

‘Together we have an integral role to play in strengthening the UK’s infrastructure, enabling development, and supporting hundreds of businesses and thousands of jobs in the supply chain.

‘The new facility is the latest in a series of major investments in British Steel by our owner, Jingye, which is resolute in its commitment to enhancing our operations and helping us build a sustainable future for our business.’