ALSTOM wins Swedish contract for innovative in-sleeper
technology

switch_l,1.jpg

The five-year frame contract comprises switch machines, spare
parts and training of Banverket´s personnel for installation
and maintenance. The contract also includes an option to extend
the agreement for an additional five years. Banverket is aiming
to have a single supplier of switch machines for all the new
switches on the whole of its 10,000-km rail network, in which the
traditional switch machines will be progressively replaced by
in-sleeper technology.

Contrary to traditional switch machines, which are placed
on the side of the track, the ALSTOM switch machine MET fits in
the middle of the track in place of a tie. Benefits of the MET
solution are the extreme ease of installation and the dramatic
reduction of maintenance costs of the switch machine itself as
well as reduced track-maintenance costs. Thanks to its position
in the middle of the track, ALSTOM MET is the ideal solution for
railway and metro applications where space is critical, such as
in tunnels and viaducts.

The Head of Purchasing of Banverket, Mr. Per Kyhle, said:
'In the purchasing process ALSTOM turned out as our choice
when taking into account our criteria for both technical content
as well as quality of performance.'

The MET was developed by ALSTOM at its Bologna
facilities in Italy. Within ALSTOM’s Transport Sector, this
unit is the European centre of excellence for electromechanical
products and the worldwide centre of excellence for Interlocking.

Emilio Gallocchio, Senior Vice President of ALSTOM
Transport in Italy, said:
'This is ALSTOM’s first large contract for the supply
of switch machines in Sweden. We are proud of this agreement,
which shows Banverket’s appreciation for this innovative
solution.'

With more than 35 product lines and a presence in over
60 countries, ALSTOM's Transport Sector offers cutting-edge
products and services to four distinct types of customers: urban
transit authorities and operators; intercity passenger rail
operators and rolling stock owners; rail freight operators; and
intercity railway infrastructure owners. ALSTOM's Transport
Sector, with 4.4 billion euros in sales in 2001, is among the
world's leading suppliers to the railway industry.

Press information:

Helen Connolly

Tel. +33 (0)1 41 66 91 43

helen.connolly@transport.alstom.com

• To visit the Banverkert website