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2016-09-09 - [FR] Alstom ceases locomotive production in Belfort in 2018

Home 2016-09-09 - [FR] Alstom ceases locomotive production in Belfort in 2018


A long tradition comes to an end. In 2018 Alstom will close its locomotive manufacturing facilities in Belfort. The newest products from Belfort are new power cars for TGV high speed trains (SNCF and ONCF) and the electric locomotives for Kazakhstan.


It is not a secret Alstom has not been able to develop a competing locomotive platform for the European market, a type that could compete with Siemens' Vectron and Bombardier's TRAXX. With the PrimaII it was not possible to attract European customer until now. The production of its predecessor (Prima) ended in 2010 (electrics) and 2012 (diesels).


Does this mean Alstom will not produce locomotives anymore? Of course not. Soon it will start production of the 4-axle H4 machines with center-cab design for the SBB. More orders for this type are being rumored. SNCF Infra and RATP could be interested in these hybrids. Also, Alstom was able to fetch a large locomotive contract for the railways in India. The first units of this order will still come from Belfort, so was stated. And don't forget there is still Stendal in Germany, where small scale production takes place of H3 shunter locomotives.


But after 2018, locomotive production in France will take place at Alstom's in Reichshoffen (FR). Alstom says it is a strategic decision as it is experiencing a considerable drop in sales, forcing the company to reduce its production capacity in France. Reportedly, Reichshoffen is already underemployed, so it could use extra work. As of 2018, Belfort will focus solely on locomotive maintenance and servicing, which means 400 of 480 jobs will be lost. However, all employees will offered a new job at one of Alstom's other production facilities.


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