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Alstom in South Africa

Investing in the future of Southern Africa’s Rail Industry

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)

  • Alstom Foundation in South Africa

    Through the Alstom Foundation, Alstom promotes economic development and social progress especially for communities in the vicinity of its operating locations. In August 2017 an agreement was signed between Alstom Ubunye and Esibonelwesihle Secondary School, based in Duduza, for the implementation of a project to upgrade and expand the school’s technical facilities.

    The Alstom Foundation also opened a new culture facility in the Steenberg Pavilion at Steenberg High School on the outskirts of Cape Town in partnership with Musiquelaine SA. The Pavilion, funded by the Alstom Foundation, provides facilities for disadvantaged young South Africans to develop their musical talents and to effect a positive change in their lives.

Through our investments in in the country, and with local partners, we have created a strong industrial and commercial base able to offer a full range of rail products & solutions, strengthen the rail sector in Southern Africa, boost local economy, transfer skills, and in the long term, address the needs of other countries in the Southern African region.

Xavier Boisgontier
Alstom Ubunye CEO
1200+
employees at Alstom Ubunye and Gibela Rail
600
X’Trapolis Mega commuters trains to be built over 10 years
2
sites

Focus on our solutions

X'Trapolis Mega for PRASA
Suburban trains

X’Trapolis range: Flexible and modular suburban trains

MBTA Green Line car in Hornell, USA © Alstom / Scott Gable
Services

Modernisation : valuable benefits to operators and end users

Maintenance on Italo AGV, Nola Depot, Italy © Alstom / A.Février
Services

Maintenance : invaluable expertise for world-class service

  • Modernisation of PRASA trains

    Modernisation of PRASA trains

    Modernisation of PRASA Metrorail trains at Alstom Ubunye

  • 600 commuter trains for South Africa

    600 commuter trains for South Africa

    One of the biggest rail projects for Alstom: contract awarded by Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) to the Alstom-led joint-venture Gibela – to supply 600 X’Trapolis Mega passenger trains (3,600 coaches) over 10 years. It also includes the construction of a local manufacturing facility, technical support and spares supply over an 18-year period.

  • Training

    Training

    Training, maintenance and welding activity for PRASA at Alstom Ubunye

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

Job scam alert 

This is an important message about fake employment offers sent on behalf of Alstom. In the last few weeks, a fake organization has been sending employment offers via email, on behalf of Alstom, requesting that recipients send an acceptance letter back. Please note that these are not official Alstom communications (nor any of the hiring agencies we partner with), and they are not part of our recruitment process. If you receive such a communication, from an email address ending in “aalstomco.com”, please disregard and do not reply. If you are interested in joining Alstom, please visit the “Talents” section on www.alstom.com.

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