I’m going Ligurian. Alstom has signed a contract with Mercitalia Rail, a company of the FS Logistics Hub, for the supply of 70 Traxx Universal locomotives for Italy with related complete maintenance service for 12 years. Some locomotives will be equipped with Ultimo Miglio technology. The contract is worth over 323 million euros and includes the option to supply an additional 30 locomotives and the extension of maintenance services. All Traxx Universal locomotives destined for the Italian market are produced in the Alstom factory in Vado Ligure.
The Traxx Universal is the most advanced four-axle locomotive platform offering high energy efficiency and traction capacity. The functional design, combined with an extended maintenance plan with a reduced frequency of interventions, is able to guarantee high levels of reliability and availability. The Last Mile system allows a seamless transition from line traction to non-electrified lines, such as those found in ports, industrial areas or terminals.
“We are pleased to announce this significant new contract with Polo Logistica, a long-standing customer and one of the pioneers in Italy to have invested in high-power electric locomotives. Over the years we have supplied Polo Logistica with over 50 locomotives, all operational – declared Michele Viale, General Director of Alstom in Italy – This new agreement strengthens the activities of the Vado Ligure site and reaffirms our expertise in the most advanced railway technologies avant-garde. Our commitment to excellence and innovation allows us to provide tailored solutions to meet the needs of our customers. The supply contract in fact includes some locomotives equipped with Ultimo Miglio capable of directly connecting the railway network with terminals and ports, improving the efficiency, speed and safety of goods movement worldwide.”
The Vado Ligure plant, with over a century of experience in vehicle production, benefits from the expertise of over 300 people. The site is active in various stages of production, including electrical and pneumatic sub-assembly, bogie assembly, vehicle painting, final assembly, testing, rain testing, vehicle weighing and repair of power and control electronics.
A team of technical experts, located in five maintenance depots throughout Italy, currently maintains over 200 Traxx Universal locomotives. With this contract, the number of locomotives under maintenance will exceed 300 units and the team will be further strengthened. A local hub, specialized in digital maintenance, acquires data from locomotives in order to monitor their conditions in real time. This facilitates the forecasting of maintenance interventions to be carried out in the depot, and of minor interventions, in over 10 sites located in Italy, guaranteeing maximum performance and availability of the fleet.
Over the last 20 years, more than 2,700 Traxx locomotives have been sold across Europe, of which over 325 in Italy alone.
Alstom is the market leader in rail services and supports customers across the entire asset lifecycle with the broadest portfolio of service solutions. Alstom’s FlexCare Perform maintenance services are customized to customer needs and operational requirements, from technical assistance with spare parts, to fully outsourced maintenance solutions. Alstom maintains over 2,450 locomotives worldwide and is responsible for the maintenance of over 170 locomotives in Italy.
Fiom-Cgil’s comment
Cristiano Ghiglia, provincial secretary of Fiom-Cgil, explains: “The agreement is a positive signal for the strategic consolidation of the Alstom site in Vado. We are waiting to understand the developments and timing of the construction of the shed for carrying out major maintenance activities for freight locomotives and rolling stock. Given the significant public funding, it will be necessary to detail training courses for future hires and make agreements for quality and stable employment in a strategic company for the local economy”.
