Photo courtesy of Stadler Rail

Stadler has emerged as the winner of the largest tender in Swiss rail history. Swiss Federal Railways (SBB), in association with Thurbo and RegionAlps, has awarded Stadler a framework agreement for up to 510 new single-decker FLIRT (Fast Light Intercity and Regional Train) multiple units. The initial call-off order is for 286 vehicles, representing an order worth around 2 billion Swiss francs.

Peter Spuhler, Stadler’s executive chairman, said: “We are proud that our proven FLIRT concept has once again achieved international success. We would like to thank SBB for the trust they have placed in us.”

The vehicles will be manufactured entirely in Bussnang, with a share of around 75% of value added for Switzerland. The FLIRT model from Stadler is a single-decker multiple unit for local and long-distance services. Taking into account the framework agreement for SBB, the company has now sold more than 2,500 FLIRTs — its best-selling vehicle — in 20 countries.

Stadler, which has its headquarters in Bussnang in eastern Switzerland, has a workforce of around 13,000 based in various production and engineering locations, as well as more than 60 service locations.

The product range in the field of mainline railways and city transport includes high-speed trains, intercity trains, regional and suburban trains, metros, tramways and trams.

Stadler also manufactures main-line locomotives, shunting locomotives and passenger carriages — plus it is the world’s leading manufacturer in the rack-and-pinion rail vehicle industry.