Mountsorrel Quarry played host to politicians and national industry leaders earlier this month, as part of a major event on the increasing importance of rail freight in delivering efficient and sustainable UK infrastructure.
Mountsorrel Quarry, operated by Tarmac, employs over 300 people across its quarry, rail hub, and offices at Quorn House, near Loughborough. Well known for its high quality, distinctive pink granite, the site is not only a key part of the local economy, but also a major supplier to crucial national and regional infrastructure projects. From the Leicestershire County Council’s highways contract, to HS2, Wembley Stadium, and the Lower Thames Crossing, Mountsorrel Quarry’s high-quality materials help keep the nation’s roads, railways, and developments on track.
Jointly organised by Rail Forum and the Rail Freight Group (RFG), the summit brought together leaders from across the industry at Loughborough University Science and Enterprise Park to discuss key issues impacting rail freight.
Chris Swan, Head of Rail at Tarmac said: “One of the many features that sets Mountsorrel apart is its custom-built railhead at Barrow-upon-Soar, which allows us to transport over 65% of the quarry’s high-quality materials via rail, instead of road. This means fewer lorries on local roads and a more reliable way of moving large volumes of stone to where it’s needed.”
Speaking at the Focus on Freight event, Chris Swan added: “Mountsorrel Quarry isn’t just a local landmark—it’s a vital part of the UK’s infrastructure network. The quality and consistency of the materials we produce here, alongside our industry-leading rail capability, means that major projects across the country can rely on the site to deliver construction minerals efficiently and sustainably.”
The visit was part of Rail Freight Group and Rail Forum’s ‘Focus on Freight’ event, which brought together industry leaders and policymakers, including Derby North MP and Transport Select Committee member Catherine Atkinson. With ongoing discussions about the future of rail in the UK, the event highlighted the importance of maintaining and supporting the growth of freight capacity to ensure sites like Mountsorrel Quarry continue to serve the country’s needs for years to come.
Catherine Atkinson MP said “Mountsorrel Quarry is a great example of how UK industry and infrastructure can work hand-in-hand. By efficiently moving essential construction materials via rail, the quarry not only supports delivery of major projects but also aligns with the Government’s mission to decarbonise transport, create jobs and boost growth.”
Elaine Clark OBE, CEO of Rail Forum, said “Mountsorrel Quarry plays a vital role in supporting the economy and advancing our journey toward a low-carbon future. Its operations provide essential materials that underpin our infrastructure, while its use of rail transport demonstrates a commitment to reducing carbon emissions and ensuring a resilient, efficient supply chain. The quarry’s continued success is not only crucial for jobs and economic growth but also for building a more sustainable future for everyone.”