Alstom in South Africa

Investing in the future of Southern Africa’s Rail Industry

Alstom’s contribution to the local rail industry spans nearly a century going back to 1925 when the first electric locomotive was built for South Africa followed by production of the first electric multiple units (EMUs) in 1926.

Alstom continues to strengthen its commitment to South Africa through local joint-ventures with Alstom Ubunye and Gibela Rail.

The manufacturing facilities consist of 80 000m2 at Alstom Ubunye and 60 000m2 at the custom-built Gibela Rail factory. 

This large, local footprint enables the company to offer a complete range of systems, equipment, services and manufacturing facilities, contributing to the strengthening of the Southern African Rail Industry.

Alstom is fully committed to diversity, education and sustainable development. The company has successfully localised its supply chain – exceeding 65% local content for the Gibela/Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) contract.

• Alstom Ubunye is an African rail company with a history going back to 1957 (Previously known as Union Carriage and Wagon (UCW). In April 2016, Alstom acquired 51% shares in South African rail company CTLE (Commuter Transport & Locomotive Engineering) and renamed the company Alstom Ubunye.
• Gibela was established as a consortium between Alstom, Ubumbano Rail and New Africa Rail. In a contract signed in 2013, the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) assigned Gibela the task to replace its ageing metro fleet with a modern service − delivering 600 modern commuter passenger trains into the South African rail network over the next 10 years. Fully black-empowered, Gibela is conscious of its role as a catalyst for economic development and skills development through its majority shareholder, Alstom. Gibela’s factory – also its corporate office – occupies a site covering more than 78 hectares at Dunnottar, Ekurhuleni, Gauteng. (Read more on the Gibela Website)

Working at Alstom in South Africa

At Alstom we are committed to creating an environment in which effective talent management and a ‘care for people’ attitude is at the heart of Alstom’s identity.  We promote career development and internal mobility to provide our people with maximum opportunities for personal growth and self-fulfillment. We know that it’s essential for our Group’s long-term success. Our projects require highly skilled professionals in various areas and different functions. To contribute to the growth of our activities, Alstom is searching for motivated people. Alstom aims to reconcile preservation of the environment and support local communities, and therefore our employees are involved in the life of surrounding local communities whilst always remaining focus on the expectations of its partners and stakeholders.

Have a look at our vacancies