SWITZERLAND: Bombardier Transportation formally opened a 1 200 m2 development and test laboratory at its Zurich-Oerlikon site in June 4. MITRAC Powerlab Zürich is the company's core competence centre for high power traction propulsion technology, with two test benches for transformers, traction and auxiliary converters, motors and related electronics.

The location will enable Bombardier to intensify its collaboration with the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zürich (ETH) and other university applied science departments.

'Powerlab's opening clearly illustrates Bombardier Transportation's commitment to Zürich as an important site for doing business', said city councillor Andres Türler. 'The city of Zürich is delighted with this boost to the region's technological sector.'