Name and Location
Dunnottar train manufacture complex project, Gauteng, South Africa.

Client
Gibela Rail Transport Consortium, comprising Alstom (61%), Ubumbano Rail (30%) and New Africa Rail (9%).

Project Description
The project involves the construction of an 85 000 m² factory at the Dunnottar industrial complex, in Gauteng, to manufacture trains for South African State-owned Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa. This in line with a R51-billion contract to supply 600 new trains over ten years and provide technical support, as well as the supply of spare parts over an 18-year period to the rail agency.

The plant will be equipped with several kilometres of rail network, including a 1.2 km dynamic test track for the testing of completed trains.

The first trains are being manufactured in Brazil, while the remaining 580 units will be assembled at Dunnottar. At its peak, the manufacturing facility will produce 62 trains a year, in line with Alstom’s X’Trapolis Mega commuter train design.

The Dunnottar facility will also provide on-site maintenance services, a training facility for railway-specific artisan skills and an engineering centre of excellence.

To ensure that the contract’s 65% local-content stipulation is met, the complex will also accommodate local components suppliers.

Value
R1-billion.

Duration
Construction of the facility will begin in the third quarter of 2015.

Latest Developments
The first train is being tested and is well on course for shipment from Brazil to South Africa in September, ahead of on-shore delivery in November.

Key Contracts and Suppliers
None stated.

On Budget and on Time?
Construction of the factory was initially expected to start in early 2015, but delays in securing the site resulted in work falling behind schedule.

Contact Details for Project Information
Gibela communications director Pamella Radebe, email pamella.radebe@gibela-rail.com.
Alstom, Linda Huguet, tel +33 1 57 10 42 or email linda.huguet@transport.alstom.com.