Transport Minister Norman Baker MP visited Stobart Group's Multimodal Gateway in Widnes recently following this morning's Government announcement of the 211-mile northern Phase Two route of HS2.
Met by Stobart Group chief operating officer, William Stobart and Stobart Rail managing director, Liam Martin, the Minister was shown around the company's vast rail operation at the Mersey Multimodal Gateway (3MG).
Norman Baker MP said: "This is a transformational announcement that will change the geography of the country and bring a huge economic boost to the North West. Stobart is doing a very important job in the region with the extensive rail freight operation here at 3MG. With the West Coast Mainline freed up for more freight capacity as a result of HS2, there is a great opportunity for businesses such as Stobart in the North."
William Stobart added: "Today's announcement makes 3MG even more appealing as a base for distribution centres. It inspires long-term confidence in the region's rail capability and as a national logistics hub. HS2 is set to create thousands of jobs locally and also bring exciting opportunities for businesses such as Stobart Rail that operate in the rail infrastructure and engineering sector."
Stobart Rail Freight, in partnership with Tesco, runs the largest FMCG rail operation in the UK, with national and international transport links spanning a network from Inverness to Valencia.