Think Railways

ABB has received orders worth USD 85 million from Swiss train manufacturer Stadler Rail to supply traction equipment for projects to expand public rail networks in Switzerland, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands. The orders were booked in the first quarter of 2015.

The new business follows earlier orders from rail operators to expand their existing fleets of Stadler trains for the Swiss Federal Railways (SBB), Luxemburg State Railways (CFL) and the Dutch State Railways (NS). The traction equipment will be installed in a total of 90 electric trains, including double-decker ‘KISS’ (for comfortable innovative speedy suburban in German) and regional ‘FLIRT’ (Fast Light Innovative Regional Train) trains for both suburban and intercity routes.

SBB and CFL already have Stadler trains with ABB traction equipment in successful and reliable daily operation in Switzerland and Luxembourg. The new order includes powerful and energy efficient traction converters with integrated power supplies, traction transformers, and battery chargers for 19 new double-decker trains for SBB’s S-Bahn in Zurich. Luxembourg’s CFL is expanding their existing Stadler double-decker KISS fleet for 15 kV alternating current (kVAC) and 25 kVAC line voltage for cross-border service between Luxembourg and Germany with additional 11 double-decker trains with ABB traction converters and traction transformers.

ABB will also supply lightweight, tailor-made compact traction converters with integrated onboard power supplies for electric Stadler trains for NS operating in the commuter and regional transport system nationwide. This particular order underscores Stadler and ABB’s long-term partnership and competitive flexibility with short delivery times by offering a fully proven vehicle concept with standardized traction technology platform. The trains will be delivered by the end of 2016.

“We see continued investment in both rolling stock and infrastructure to expand Europe’s rail network and meet rising commuter demand. For rail operators there is strong confidence in working with long term partners such as Stadler Rail and ABB, who collaborate to provide deep industry expertise and the latest innovations,” said Pekka Tiitinen, president of ABB’s Discrete Automation and Motion division. “We are pleased to see the growth story continues with both repeat orders and new customers from among the world’s leading rail operators. This order is a further example of ABB’s Next Level Strategy and our focus on expanding in growing markets.”

Since the two companies began working together in 2002, Stadler Rail has ordered ABB traction equipment for more than 1,500 regional trains and more than 300 light-rail vehicles. ABB is among the world’s largest independent suppliers to the rail industry, generating annual sales of more than $1.5 billion in its rail business.