Direct Rail Services, which has a main base in Carlisle, has celebrated its 30th anniversary.
In a ceremony held at the company’s Kingmoor depot in Carlisle yesterday, a 30 Years of DRS locomotive wrap was unveiled on locomotive 68007 to mark the anniversary with a unique design and nameplate.
It was revealed by rail managing director, Gottfried Eymer, who spoke to Business Crack and Nuclear Decommissioning Authority CEO David Peattie.
Since its formation in 1995, DRS has grown from a niche freight operator into one of the country’s most versatile rail freight companies in supporting the UK’s energy, logistics, and infrastructure sectors.
Established to provide the safe, secure and reliable transport of nuclear materials, DRS’s early operations focused on specialist freight services, but the company quickly expanded into broader logistics, including intermodal and infrastructure support.
It has completed millions of miles in the safe transportation of nuclear material, running hundreds of specialist services a year.
In 2005, DRS became a wholly owned subsidiary of the NDA.
The naming was part of an event, held for employees and their family and friends which gave guests an opportunity to celebrate the role DRS has played in supporting the nuclear decommissioning and rail freight sectors.
Mr Eymer said: “DRS started with just seven employees, with the sole purpose of moving spent nuclear fuel, and has grown to a company of over 400 staff members and diversified into many different markets over the years.
“It now boasts some of the biggest names in retail as customers but remains committed to its core function of ensuring nuclear material is transported safely, securely and reliably.
“I was thrilled to be able to unveil this nameplate in the presence of everyone who makes this company such a fantastic place to work.”
Mr Peattie said: “It is a privilege to be with colleagues and their families to help mark Direct Rail Services’ anniversary and reflect on the many achievements of the last 30 years.
“DRS is central to the success of the NDA group’s mission to safely and securely manage the UK’s nuclear legacy. They are making a lasting and positive impact on the nation’s transport, energy and infrastructure landscape.”
As well as the DRS milestone, 2025 is year of anniversaries across the NDA group, including 20 years of the NDA itself, 50 years of Pacific Nuclear Transport Limited and 70 years of Dounreay.
