- ZF Rail hosted the Department for Transport at its Nottingham facility.
- The visit focused on sustainability and remanufacturing in rail.
- ZF showcased its EcoWorld 2 transmission and green innovations.
ZF Rail recently welcomed key representatives from the Department for Transport and sustainability specialists to its Nottingham site, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the company’s commitment to driving greener practices in the rail sector.
The visit brought together Brian Freemantle, Policy Lead at the Department for Transport, alongside Jane Lumb, Andrew Gibson, and Ben Sanderson – all professionals with a strong focus on environmental progress and customer engagement within transport. The purpose of the visit was to highlight ZF’s extensive rail remanufacturing and overhaul capabilities, and to demonstrate how these processes contribute meaningfully to circular economy principles within the rail industry.
During the tour of ZF’s state-of-the-art rail workshop, the group was given direct insight into how component remanufacturing extends product life, reduces material waste, and cuts the carbon footprint associated with producing new parts. The team also showcased the quality controls and technological precision that underpin ZF’s sustainable engineering standards, vital for maintaining reliability in rail operations while meeting increasingly stringent environmental expectations.
A key feature of the visit was the introduction of EcoWorld 2, ZF’s latest-generation rail transmission. With a built-in reversing function and the potential to reduce CO₂ emissions and fuel consumption up to 20%, EcoWorld 2 represents a major step forward in energy-efficient drivetrain design. The visitors were particularly interested in how this technology could contribute to the Department’s long-term vision for decarbonising rail travel in the UK.
The session closed with open dialogue around policy direction and practical implementation. Brian Freemantle expressed enthusiasm for ZF’s proactive approach and welcomed the opportunity to explore how public and private sectors can collaborate more effectively to accelerate sustainability in the rail network. The group also discussed future initiatives and how advanced technologies like EcoWorld 2 can play a supporting role in aligning infrastructure goals with climate targets.
Reflecting on the visit, David Morgan, Head of ZF’s Global Centre of Competence – Rail, said: “We were delighted to host the Department for Transport and sustainability experts at our Nottingham facility. This visit was a valuable opportunity to demonstrate how our commitment to remanufacturing, innovation and low-emission technology is helping to meet the challenges of today’s rail industry. ZF is proud to support the UK’s transition toward greener rail travel, and we look forward to working closely with government and industry partners as we move toward a more sustainable future.”
The visit served as a reminder that meaningful sustainability doesn’t start with future promises, it’s already in action. Through remanufacturing, intelligent product design, and a clear focus on energy savings, ZF continues to position itself as a key enabler of cleaner, more efficient rail operations.