OREANDA-NEWS. Alstom is a proud sponsor of the 20th Africa Rail exhibition, the largest rail exhibition in Africa. The exhibition will take place from 13-14 June 2017 in Sandton, Johannesburg, and is focused on bringing together players in the rail industry to transfer knowledge, and to forge business relationships to better serve the local market.

Alstom will be showcasing its extensive range of solutions including its Citadis Tramway, a passenger-friendly solution already operational in 20 countries and more than 50 cities; and Attractis, an integrated tramway solution with optimised costs and lead times. Alstom will also showcase its range of services for trains, infrastructure and rail control systems with more than 20 years of experience on service.

Alstom has been present in South Africa for many years where it now focuses solely on transport activities and is committed to the revitalisation and development of sustainable rail transportation through its South African joint venture companies, Alstom Ubunye and the Gibela Rail Transport Consortium (Gibela). 

Alstom Ubunye, Alstom’s South African industrial base, was acquired just over a year ago to strengthen the company’s African footprint and help address southern Africa’s mobility needs. Its 80,000m2 manufacturing facility, located east of Johannesburg, has undergone extensive refurbishment since acquisition to reinforce Alstom Ubunye activities and offer complete portfolio including infrastructure, signalling, trains, services  and components manufacturing.

In 2013, Gibela secured the PRASA (Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa) contract to build 600, state-of-the-art, X’Trapolis mega commuter trains as well as the 19-year contract for maintenance, technical support and spare parts for the coaches. Construction of the Gibela train manufacturing facility, in Ekurhuleni, where 580 of the trains will be built is due for completion by the end of 2017.