This week’s news from the global railway supply chain.
Martin Sion became CEO of Alstom on April 1, succeeding Henri Poupart-Lafarge who had decided not to seek a further term. Sion ‘brings a wealth of experience in industrial leadership, most recently as CEO of ArianeGroup’, said Chairman Philippe Petitcolin. ‘We are confident that Martin will further reinforce Alstom’s execution capabilities and lead the company forward to realise the ambitions set. I would like to thank Henri Poupart-Lafarge for his long term vision and commitment to making Alstom the leader it is today.’
Oxford Economics, the Railway Supply Institute, the Railway Engineering-Maintenance Suppliers Association, the Railway Tie Association and Amtrak have released the latest economic impact report for the US rail supply industry. This says the industry contributes $127bn annually to US GDP and directly employs an estimated 338 000 workers; when accounting for indirect and induced effects throughout the broader economy, total employment supported by the industry rises to approximately 906 000 jobs. An expanded analysis of the industry across key market segments now offers a clearer picture of the distinct economic contributions of both freight rail and passenger rail suppliers, and how increased federal investment in rail has strengthened domestic manufacturing and service capacity.
Voestalpine Railway Systems has secured orders totalling €500m to supply DB InfraGO with high-strength and long rails and turnout components and SBB with axle counting, diagnostic and automation systems.
Austrian vibration isolation product manufacturer Getzner Werkstoffe has opened a 4 189 m² production site at Baramati to be closer to Indian rail and metro customers, shorten supply routes and create additional capacity as part of the ‘Make in India’ initiative.
Rail Europe has integrated its European rail offering into the technology platform of Juniper Travel Technology through APIs, making it easier for Juniper’s network of more than 550 travel agencies and OTAs to sell rail within their existing booking flows. Once a commercial agreement with Rail Europe is in place, partners can start selling rail within days. Agencies also benefit from Rail Europe’s commercial support, commission structure and access to additional services, including group bookings.
Škoda Group has joined the Swiss-Czech Chamber of Commerce, saying this opens up opportunities for the development of business co-operation, knowledge sharing and the establishment of strategic partnerships with major players in both the Swiss and Czech economies.
Frank Spörl has joined TÜV Rheinland as Global Field Manager Rail, responsible for global strategic and operational management. He was previously responsible for International Engineering at DB Engineering & Consulting.
Eurofima has entered into a framework agreement to provide Bulgaria’s BDZ Passengers with up to €22m. The €8·1m first tranche was disbursed on April 1 with a tenor of 10 years. The financing will support the acquisition of 35 second-hand inter-city coaches previously operated in Germany,
Alstom has appointed Yael Rosenman Gross as Managing Director for Israel from April 1. She reports directly to Martin Vaujour, President of the Africa, Middle East, Central Asia Region.
Michael List has joined US wagon component supplier Miner Enterprises as Field Service Representative, and Mike Downey as General Sales Manager.