Private locomotive and rail operator Traxtion recently showcased its new Rosslyn maintenance and refurbishment facility, which forms part of a corporate strategy to increase its capacity to provide locomotive rebuild and overhaul services for Africa.
The facility is in the third phase of a planned eight-phase development, with R68-million having been invested to date. Investment will total R130-million once all phases have been completed.
Itwill enable Traxtion to increase the number of refurbishments it is able to perform at once from 3 to 15.
Five of an intended eight railway lines are currently being installed at the workshop.
The facility, which spans 7 370 m2, employs about 50 highly trained artisans and gives Traxtion the capacity to match its inherent capabilities as a specialist in the repair and maintenance of diesel and electric locomotives.
The opening signalled a milestone for the company in solidifying its position as Africa’s pre-eminent private rail operator, said Traxtion CEO James Holley.
By collaborating with complementary rail services providers, Traxtion now has the ability to offer its clients a full-service destination at the Rosslyn workshop, which is able to provide rolling stock refurbishment solutions for mining, industrial, freight and State-owned enterprises throughout sub-Saharan Africa.
Locomotives will be transported to the facility from countries across Africa.
Holley commented on the release of a draft White Paper on rail by the Department of Transport, which called for the introduction of private entities to operate on the tracks alongside entities such as Transnet.
Once the draft White Paper has been promulgated, Traxtion will be able to provide high-quality private operator services.
Current refurbishments on the premises include 12 locomotives from Traxtion’s own fleet of 59 locomotives, which will take nine months to refurbish.