In tribute to the late Anthony Slater, founder of the Plasmor Group, DB Cargo has named one of its British Rail Class 66 locomotive engines in his honour.

Locomotive 66186 was officially named during a ceremony at Plasmor’s Great Heck factory.

The site holds particular significance for the company, as it was here in 1986 that Plasmor first began transporting its concrete products by rail.

Over the past four decades, DB Cargo UK has been an important part of Plasmor’s supply chain, supporting the nationwide distribution of its products by rail.

That partnership will continue following a new five-year contract awarded to DB Cargo UK.

Under the agreement, the freight operator will run up to six trains per week from Great Heck to Plasmor’s distribution terminals in Biggleswade and Bow until the end of 2031.

Naming the locomotive recognises Antony Slater’s lasting contribution to the company and highlights the long-standing relationship between Plasmor and rail freight.

“It has been an honour to work with the Slater family and their colleagues at Plasmor over the past four decades, providing a safe and reliable solution to their everyday transport needs.

“With the recent signing of a new five-year contract, we thought that naming one of our locomotives after one of the company’s founders was a very fitting way to demonstrate the depth of our relationship.

“We wish everyone at Plasmor the very best for the future!”

Roger Neary, DB Cargo UK’s Chief Commercial Officer .

“Our longstanding strategic partnership with DB Cargo UK evidences a 40-year commitment to sustainable distribution into London and the South East.

“A single daily train to our depots at Biggleswade in Bedfordshire and Bow in East London negates the need for 50 HGV movements. My father Antony was always innovating and DB’s naming of the Class 66 locomotive in recognition of his foresight is a proud moment for my family and for Plasmor.”

Julian Slater, Chairman of Plasmor.