Alstom and OnTrain have presented the first multi-system electric locomotive Traxx Universal from a contract for 40 vehicles. The deal marks a major step for both Polish and European rail transport, with the new entrant OnTrain aiming to compete with established lessors.
The Traxx Universal locomotives are third-generation units known for high operational efficiency, reliability, energy efficiency, and extended maintenance intervals. They can handle heavier loads than other locomotives in their class. Thirty-five of the locomotives will be certified for use in Poland, Germany, Austria, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Slovenia, Croatia, and Serbia, while five will be homologated for the Eastern Corridor – Poland, Germany, Austria, Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Hungary. Alstom will also provide preventive maintenance during the warranty period.
– We want to offer our customers safe, functional, and accessible locomotives. Choosing the proven Traxx platform allows us to compete with the largest companies in the rolling stock rental market – said Piotr Ignasiak, president of OnTrain. He added that tests of four out of five ordered locomotives confirmed their technical quality and the soundness of this decision.
Production split between Kassel and Wroclaw
The vehicles are being built at Alstom’s plant in Kassel, Germany, but the bodies are produced in Wroclaw, Poland. The Wroclaw facility, formerly known as Pafawag, has received about 90 million euros in investment in recent years, including a state-of-the-art aluminium welding line. Over 2,000 Traxx bodies in various versions have been produced there so far, including units with the Last Mile system for maneuvering on sidings without overhead wires.
– We are delighted that the Traxx Universal locomotives will join the fleet being built by OnTrain for the dynamic development of the European rail market. We are proud that a significant part of this order is being produced in Poland – at Alstom’s Wroclaw plant, which manufactures the locomotive bodies – said Beata Rusinowicz, managing director of Alstom in Poland, Ukraine, and the Baltic states.
The Wroclaw plant employs over 1,000 people and continues the tradition of one of Europe’s oldest rolling stock factories, founded in 1833. It currently handles the production of 904 wagons for German operators go.Rheinland and Verkehrsverbund Rhein Ruhr, including welding, painting, and preliminary equipping.
Uncertain future for Kassel plant
According to the German portal HNA, Alstom is considering selling the Kassel factory, which employs around 800 people. The company confirmed talks with a potential investor but has not disclosed the identity. Speculation suggests interest from the defence sector – last year Alstom sold its Görlitz plant to KNDS, which now produces tank components. The Kassel factory neighbours a Rheinmetall facility that is being expanded into Europe’s largest tank factory, with plans to increase staffing from 2,200 to 3,000 by 2029.
These developments fuel speculation about Alstom’s future production plans for locomotives. Meanwhile, the Wroclaw plant has been involved in major projects such as the ICE 4 trains for Deutsche Bahn, producing over 1,500 bodies. The plant’s capabilities have been enhanced by a new paint shop and a 90-metre aluminium machining machine.
Źródło: wnp.pl, Fot. Materiały prasowe / Alstom
