Celebrating 90 Years Of Progress: Our Commitment To Sustainability

For over nine decades, Clayton Equipment has been at the forefront of locomotive innovation. Founded in 1931, we have evolved from a domestic manufacturer into a global leader in sustainable rail solutions. Our guiding principle has always been to adapt to industry demands while prioritising environmental responsibility and technological advancement. Now, as we celebrate over 90 years of engineering excellence, our commitment to railway sustainability remains central to our future vision.

A Legacy Of Innovation

Our history is defined by responsiveness to changing operational needs. From our origins serving the UK market, we identified early on that the future of transport lay in more sustainable, lower-emission solutions. This insight led us to pioneer battery and hybrid locomotive technology and extend our reach into international markets.

Over recent decades, we have designed and built locomotives that meet increasingly stringent environmental regulations, including compliance with EU Stage V emissions standards. These advancements have enabled us to not only compete but lead on a global scale.

Sustainable Technology Driving the Future

Today, Clayton Equipment is recognised as a leader in battery-electric and hybrid rail haulage systems. Our Class 18 Hybrid+ locomotives, adopted by operators such as GB Railfreight and Tata Steel, offer a proven, low-emission alternative to traditional diesel fleets. These machines combine battery technology with an onboard diesel generator, enabling flexible operations while dramatically reducing CO₂ emissions.

Our battery locomotives are also ideal for noise-sensitive or enclosed environments, such as metro networks, underground mines, and tunnels. Complementing these innovations is our LocoWatch™ system, which delivers real-time performance data to optimise energy usage, reduce maintenance downtime, and extend locomotive lifespan.

A Global Footprint

Our evolution from UK-based manufacturer to internationally recognised engineering partner demonstrates our ability to adapt and thrive in a dynamic marketplace. With exports to over 60 countries, our sustainable rail solutions now support a diverse range of operations, from heavy industry to public transport. This global reach allows us to play a meaningful role in advancing greener rail networks worldwide.

The Path To Zero Emissions

Looking ahead, our focus is on the continued development of zero-emission locomotives. Through ongoing investment in research and development, we are advancing energy storage technologies and exploring alternative fuels such as hydrogen and synthetic alternatives. Our goal is to deliver fully zero-emission rail haulage, aligning with long-term decarbonisation strategies and regulatory expectations.

Sustainability is not just a guiding principle — it is the foundation of our future operations. We work closely with partners, operators, and regulators to meet evolving standards and ensure our technology contributes meaningfully to the future of rail.

Join us in celebrating 90 years of innovation at Clayton Equipment — and discover how our battery and hybrid technologies are setting new benchmarks for sustainable rail transport. Speak to an expert today!