Alstom, a global ‘smart and sustainable mobility’ company, has announced plans to invest more than 150 million euros in its French sites to meet the growing demand of the French and international rail market, particularly for ‘very-high-speed trains’.
Frédéric Wiscart, the president of Alstom France, said: “The very-high-speed market is currently experiencing strong growth and Alstom is delighted to see the growing interest in the Avelia Horizon double-deck high-speed train. This unprecedented investment programme will enable us to meet our current commitments and strengthen Alstom’s industrial base with innovative technologies stemming from Industry 4.0.
“Some 20% of this investment will go directly towards opening a new assembly line for Avelia very-high-speed trains at Alstom’s Valenciennes Petite-Forêt site, a first for this facility in the North of France. The investment plan will also make it possible to double the car body shell and assembly lines for the Avelia very-high-speed trains at our La Rochelle site.”
Digitalisation and simulationHe continued: “In addition, we will continue our investments in digitalisation and simulation, with the ‘TrainLab’ in La Rochelle helping reduce the testing time for new trains, while at our Belfort site we will be constructing a new building to prepare for the commercial launch of very-high-speed trains. Some 250m long, this new building will accommodate a complete Avelia Horizon trainset.
“Investments are also planned for sites manufacturing components for Avelia very-high-speed trains, such as Petit Quevilly, Ornans, Tarbes, and Le Creusot; these will benefit from — among other things — robotisation and advanced welding technology. Alstom is also investing in its supply chain to help its suppliers support the Group’s growth.”
Alstom said these investments will be accompanied by the hiring of at least 1,000 people in France in 2025. These hirings and the investments in Alstom’s capacity in France will also generate or secure more than 2,500 jobs with Alstom’s French suppliers.