Alstom’s stand, #A69, Hall 1 level 0
 

Alstom is proud to be a sponsor for the eight year of the Africa Rail event, Africa’s largest rail conference and exhibition. The exhibition will take place from 12-13 June 2018 in Sandton, Johannesburg, and is focused on bringing together solution providers of the continent’s railways industry to transfer knowledge, to network and look at new business opportunities.

Alstom, located at booth #A69, will be showcasing its local presence, unique technology transfer and investment in rail infrastructure, as well as its extensive range of solutions: The Citadis Tramway, a passenger-friendly solution already operational in 20 countries and more than 50 cities; Attractis, the world’s number one in tramway integrated solutions as well as its modernisation expertise and components know-how taking place at the Alstom Ubunye Factory near Nigel in Ekurhuleni.

“Alstom has been present in South Africa for many years. We are very proud to be committed to the development of rail transportation through our South African joint venture companies, Alstom Ubunye and the Gibela Rail Transport Consortium. We are using our technical expertise in rail to support mobility solutions for South Africa and we are dedicated to job creation including in local communities and supporting social investment projects in Ekurhuleni communities,” said Xavier Boisgontier, Managing Director for Alstom Southern Africa and CEO of Alstom Ubunye.
 

Alstom Ubunye, Alstom’s South African industrial base, was acquired in 2016 to strengthen the company’s African footprint and help address Southern Africa’s mobility needs. Its 80,000m2 manufacturing facility, located east of Johannesburg, has been undergoing extensive transformation and modernisation to reinforce Alstom Ubunye activities and offer a complete portfolio including infrastructure, signalling, trains, services and components manufacturing.
 

The factory is using Alstom technology and expertise with many teams being trained in Alstom facilities globally. It is a strong industrial organisation with operational excellence with more than 600 employees of which 21% consist of women, and more than 79% from the local Greater Nigel area.

Regarding Gibela, PRASA (The Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa) awarded a contract to the South African Joint Venture in 2013 for the supply of 600, state-of-the-art, X’Trapolis mega commuter trains as well as a 19-year contract for technical support and supply of spare parts for the coaches. Construction of the Gibela train manufacturing facility, in Ekurhuleni, where 580 of the trains are being built, has been completed. The first 18 X’Trapolis mega trains, manufactured at Alstom’s Lapa factory in Brazil, are already in commercial service bringing dependable, contemporary suburban railway transport to South Africa. The first fully South African Train made by South African is currently being built at Gibela for delivery at end 2018.