Alstom delivers new trains five months ahead of schedule

Alstom has delivered the first of seven new XTrapolis, six car trainsets, more than five months ahead of schedule and only fifteen months from receiving the order from the Victorian Government in 2011.

The first of the seven new trains is planned to begin service in October 2012. Alstom has already supplied 67 XTrapolis train sets (more than 400 carriages), on time and on budget, which have proven to be the safest, most reliable and best performing trains on the Melbourne network.

Delivery of these latest trains highlights Alstoms trusted local capabilities and excellence in project execution, said Chris Raine, CEO of Alstom Australia and New Zealand

The XTrapolis trains are manufactured at Alstoms regional manufacturing centre for rolling stock at Ballarat. Alstom is currently investing a further $8 million to upgrade and expand the site, supporting the Governments commitment to the manufacturing sector and 65 new jobs and apprenticeships. This investment will also have a significant flow-on effect for Victorian component suppliers and service companies, supporting another 70 jobs along the supply chain. 
Alstom is growing operations to deliver high technology engineering and manufacturing jobs, including project management and engineering across rolling stock, signalling, service engineering, optimised maintenance and full train overhaul.

The upgraded facilities will help to support regional development, creating local expertise, jobs and training opportunities. Australian passengers will benefit from world-class trains specifically designed for Australias unique rail networks, added Chris Raine.

The use of advanced global technology, combined with local innovation, will deliver a more productive regional manufacturing centre, and benchmark the skills of the local workforce to international standards.

About Alstom Australia
Alstom has been in Australia for more than 100 years and employs almost 1000 staff across 18 sites, including offices, engineering facilities, workshops and manufacturing facilities.

Alstom has been operating from the Regional Manufacturing Centre in Ballarat since 1999. It is 110km west of Melbourne with a broad gauge rail connection to main line. There are a total of 110 employees at the site, which takes up 55,000m2 - with 12,265m2 for main workshops and 2,636m2 for ancillary workshops.

About Alstom Transport
A promoter of sustainable mobility, Alstom Transport develops and markets the most complete range of systems, equipment and services in the railway sector. Alstom Transport manages entire transport systems, taking in rolling stock, signalling and infrastructure, and offers turnkey solutions. Alstom Transport recorded sales of  more than $6 billion in the fiscal year 2011-2012. Alstom Transport is present in over 60 countries and employs 24,700 people.

Press contact 
Sheldon Young Tel.: + 61 (0) 419 322 624
sheldon.young@alstom.com

Website
www.alstom.com/australia