Alstom’s Chinese joint venture celebrates the successful production of the 1 millionth damper

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  • Successful production of the 1 millionth damper marking a new milestone in localised production through Alstom’s joint venture

  • Established 25 years ago, Alstom Qingdao Railway Equipment Co., Ltd. (DISPEN) deeply rooted in China and serving the global market

2 December 2024 Alstom Qingdao Railway Equipment Co., Ltd. (DISPEN) [1], Alstom’s joint venture in China, celebrated the successful production of its 1 millionth damper and the 25th anniversary of the company establishment in Qingdao. Leaders from the Qingdao High-tech Zone and Chinese partner CRRC Qingdao Sifang Rolling Stock Research Institute Co., Ltd., as well as Alstom China’s management team attended the event and jointly participated in the unveiling ceremony to mark this milestone.

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“This year marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and France. It’s also the 25th anniversary of the establishment of DISPEN. The successful production of the 1 millionth damper not only marks another significant step forward for DISPEN in the rail transit industry but also showcases Alstom's long-standing commitment to China."

Ming Geng
Managing Director of Alstom China

Ming Geng, Managing Director of Alstom China, stated, “This year marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and France. It’s also the 25th anniversary of the establishment of DISPEN. The successful production of the 1 millionth damper not only marks another significant step forward for DISPEN in the rail transit industry but also showcases Alstom's long-standing commitment to China. I am proud to witness this milestone and would like to extend my sincere congratulations to the DISPEN team for their unwavering dedication in reaching this remarkable milestone. My heartfelt gratitude also goes to the governments at all levels in Qingdao and our Chinese partner, CRRC Qingdao Sifang Rolling Stock Research Institute Co., Ltd., for their strong support.”

From the production of the first damper to the 1 millionth damper, DISPEN has undergone 25 years of growth and innovation. This journey embodies the wisdom and hard work of all DISPEN employees. The R&D team has relentlessly pursued innovation, overcoming challenges and continuously optimizing the product. The production team has worked tirelessly to enhance efficiency, ensuring the timely completion of production tasks with both quality and quantity. DISPEN adopts advanced technology and process, with higher stability and reliability. Whether in the cold northern regions or the hot southern areas, the dampers operate stably, providing robust support for continuous operation and ensuring a more convenient, efficient, and comfortable travel experience.

Alstom Qingdao Railway Equipment Co., Ltd. was jointly established in 1999 by Alstom and CRRC Qingdao Sifang Rolling Stock Research Institute Co., Ltd., working on production, maintenance and services of dampers. The full range of production technology, equipment, tools, and damper parts are from Alstom France Le Creusot. The dampers are assembled in the Qingdao factory and marketed under the Dispen™ brand. Alstom Qingdao Railway Equipment Co., Ltd. supplies two series of Dispen dampers with more than 100 models. It can be installed on bogies for all types of trains, including locomotives, high-speed trains, coach, metro cars, regional trains and tramway cars produced by Alstom and other companies. It has capacity to design and manufacture new models based on customer’s needs, as well as providing after sales services and maintenance for sold products. It also has full range of products for urban rail transit.

In the Chinese market, DISPEN has supplied products to the five major product ranges, including high speed trains, metro, locomotives, coach and suburban trains, participating hundreds of projects. The Ministry of Railways in China identified Qingdao Alstom Railway Equipment Co. Ltd as the designated damper supplier for all bided railway train cars. In the international market, DISPEN dampers have been exported to countries such as France, India, Australia, Chile, Singapore, Brazil, and South Africa, participating in numerous railway projects in these regions. The 1 millionth damper produced is destined for an export order to Singapore.

Looking ahead, with 25 years of tireless effort and continuous innovation, DISPEN will continue to focus on technological advancements, drive production localisation, and contribute to the development of global rail transit industry. Alstom will also continue to deepen its commitment to the China market, strengthen the industrial layout of its joint ventures in China, and collaborate with partners to provide better products and solutions for customers and partners both in China and overseas.

[1] Alstom Qingdao Railway Equipment Co., Ltd. is 51% owned by Alstom Group. Merger by equity method.

ALSTOM™ and Dispen™ are protected trademarks of the Alstom Group.

People at work on workshop at Xayeeco plant

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