Alstoms JV GIBELA: preparing to produce trains in South Africa, for South Africa

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Alstoms JV Gibela¹ has announced at Africa Rail 2015  that construction of the new train manufacturing site at Dunnottar, Gauteng will begin in the third quarter of 2015². The new site is part of a contract won by Alstom in 2013 for the supply of 600 XTrapolis Mega commuter trains (3,600 cars) over a period of 10 years, as well as technical support and the supply of spare parts over an 18-year period^3[2].

The site will cover 85,000m² and be able to produce 62 trains per year. While the first 20 trains are being built at Alstoms Lapa plant in Brazil, the following 580 will be produced in the newly built site. A first train is already in testing phase and is well on course for shipment to South Africa, scheduled for September ahead of on-shore delivery in November.

Gian Luca Erbacci, Senior Vice President for Alstom Transport Middle-East and Africa stated: This project is one of the biggest in rail transport worldwide and Alstom through Gibela is proud to be part of it. This illustrates Alstoms strategy to strengthen its presence at both global and local levels, thanks to its worldwide industrial footprint and strategic partnerships that enable proximity with its customers.

The project is beneficial for South Africa as it creates both direct and undirect jobs, develops local skills and contributes to South Africas industrial renaissance. When up and running, the Dunnottar facility will employ at least 1,500 people and will create thousands of indirect jobs among suppliers over the first 10 years, achieving a local-content level of over 65%. The recruitment process is at an advanced planning stage for permanent positions. An intensive training programme is currently being held at Alstoms Brazilian facility for future employees of the facility. 

About Alstom Transport

A promoter of sustainable mobility, Alstom Transport develops and markets the most complete range of systems, equipment and services in the railway sector. Alstom Transport manages entire transport systems, including trains, signalling, maintenance and modernisation, infrastructure and offers integrated solutions. Alstom Transport had sales of 6.2 billion and booked 10 billion of orders in the fiscal year 2014/15. Alstom Transport is present in over 60 countries and employs around 28,000 people. 

1 JV led by Alstom (61%) with New Africa Rail (9%), Ubumbano Rail (30%) 
2 from June 30 to July 1, 2015
3 the overall value of this contract is worth 4bn