An increase in milk production for Westland Milk Products has led to the announcement of an additional daily rail service between Christchurch and Hokitika.
The co-operative has made the move after a record increase in production over the past 12 months, which is up 22 percent.
The new service would start on 1 October and involve an extra large train from Westland's site at Rolleston to Greymouth and return, as well as two smaller trains making the return link from Greymouth to Hokitika.
Westland chief executive Rod Quin said the expansion would save money, as rail freight is more efficient than road and also strengthened the supply chain, as the rail route is less subject to closures than the Arthur's Pass highway.
Mr Quin said Westland has worked very hard with KiwiRail to keep the additional services to reasonable hours so as not to disturb nearby residents.
