UK: Green Signals podcast host Richard Bowker visited the site of the UK’s last remaining independent wagon builder. At the Langwith Junction plant, founded in 1908, he filmed several stages in the production of upgraded MWA-C box wagons and interviewed WH Davis Managing Director Andy Houghton.
Body fabrication takes place in the main production shop, where the side and end walls are set into the main assembly jig. According to Houghton, welding is carried out in the flat (downhand) position, which produces a stronger weld than horizontal welding. The body is then moved to a turnover rig, where it is rotated onto its side to complete welding in a more accessible position.
After cleaning, the wagon goes for shot blasting and painting. Bogies, brake equipment and couplers are then fitted to the painted wagon, followed by brake testing, inspection and handover to the customer. The plant can turn out 15 wagons a month.
Production of freight wagons at the WH Davis plant. Source: Green Signals/YouTube
Alongside the main product range, the footage also caught cab bodies for Aventra-platform EMUs for the London conurbation. The trains are assembled at Alstom’s Derby site under a contract for 10 units signed in summer 2024. WH Davis helps manufacture the cab bodies, which are then given a composite finish by Datum Composites.
On the current state of the business, Houghton noted that after three difficult years with a thin order book, things have improved with support from owner and leasing company Porterbrook. In 2025-2026, WH Davis signed contracts with national operator Irish Rail for 150 freight wagons and 68 specialised flat wagons for track maintenance work. Under the first contract, two prototypes head to Ireland for testing this summer, with series production starting next year; design work is under way on the second. The plant is also fulfilling a contract to supply 75 articulated flatcars to UK freight operator Freightliner.
