Hitachi Rail and PESA Bydgoszcz have signed a strategic cooperation agreement that includes a joint bid for PKP Intercity’s tender for 20 very high-speed electric trains, with an option for an additional 35 units. The partnership also provides for technology transfer to Poland, including for aluminum car bodies and double-decker trains.
Hitachi Rail and PESA Bydgoszcz, Poland’s largest rolling stock manufacturer, have signed a strategic cooperation agreement to develop the Polish railway market.
The partnership covers the development and production of high-speed rolling stock, a joint bid for double-decker trains, and the transfer of advanced technologies to the Polish manufacturer.
The agreement is presented as an important step for the Polish railway industry, at a time when Poland is preparing massive investments in railway infrastructure and high-speed services.
Consortium for the PKP Intercity Tender
A central element of the memorandum signed by Hitachi Rail and PESA is their joint participation in the PKP Intercity tender for the procurement of 20 electric trains with an operating speed of at least 320 km/h.
The contract could also include an option for an additional 35 trains, as well as their maintenance for 30 years.
The agreement between Hitachi and PESA calls for a two-stage production process. The first 20 trains would be manufactured at Hitachi Rail’s facilities in Italy. The second stage of the project would involve PESA’s gradual and increasing involvement in the production process, with the goal of partially localizing the production of these very high-speed trains in Poland.
PESA would also be responsible for the technical maintenance of all trains in Poland.
ETR1000, Proposed for Poland
As part of the consortium, the two companies intend to offer the Polish operator the ETR1000, Hitachi Rail’s flagship high-speed model.
The ETR1000 has been in service on European high-speed routes for the past decade and is presented by Hitachi as a competitive alternative to short-haul flights.
ETR1000 trains are certified for operation in countries such as Germany, Austria, Italy, and France and are compatible with various power supply and signaling systems used in Europe.
The model stands out for its aerodynamic design and energy-efficient solutions. For passengers, the trains feature thermal and acoustic insulation, LED lighting, air conditioning, accessibility for people with reduced mobility, onboard monitoring, Wi-Fi, and power outlets. Configurations can be tailored to customer requirements.
Bydgoszcz, a Center of Excellence for Railway Technologies
The partnership with Hitachi Rail gives PESA access to technologies used in high-speed trains and advanced rolling stock.
A second key element of the agreement is technology transfer, including for welding aluminum train bodies and for building double-decker trains.
Modern production facilities are set to be built in Bydgoszcz, and the city will become a local center of excellence for these technologies. The goal is for future projects, including the production of modern double-decker trains, to be carried out in Poland.
Krzysztof Zdziarski, CEO of PESA Bydgoszcz, described the agreement as a historic moment for the company.
“Our collaboration with Hitachi Rail, a global pioneer in high-speed trains and a leader in innovative rail technologies, marks a historic moment for us. Thanks to the technology transfer and the establishment of a center of excellence for aluminum structures in Bydgoszcz, PESA is joining the European league of manufacturers of the fastest trains. This is not only a joint bid for PKP Intercity, but also the foundation for the production of modern double-decker trains at our plant in Bydgoszcz for the markets of Central and Eastern Europe,” said Krzysztof Zdziarski.
Hitachi Seeks a Stronger Presence in Poland
Stefano Santinelli, senior vice president of communications and public affairs at Hitachi Rail, said that the partnership with PESA represents an important step in the company’s international expansion.
“The partnership with PESA represents a key moment in expanding our international footprint and developing innovative rail solutions in Europe. By combining global expertise with strong local capabilities, we are actively contributing to a more connected, efficient, and sustainable mobility ecosystem, in line with our long-term vision for the future of rail transport,” said Stefano Santinelli.
Paweł Przyżycki, CEO of Hitachi Rail in Poland, stated that the agreement complements the company’s local operations, which have so far focused primarily on interoperable ERTMS digital signaling.
“The agreement with PESA Bydgoszcz is a key element of our development in the Polish rolling stock market and perfectly complements Hitachi Rail’s local operations, which until now have focused primarily on interoperable ERTMS digital signaling systems. Our goal is a long-term and comprehensive commitment to building a modern, reliable, and sustainable railway in Poland, based on proven innovative solutions. Hitachi Rail’s strategy also includes investments in local content—not only in production development but also in local expertise across the entire market. We are convinced that this will be the greatest added value for our country,” said Paweł Przyżycki.
Hitachi has 7,000 employees in Poland
Tadeusz Woszczyński, CEE General Manager at Hitachi Europe Ltd., emphasized that Poland is one of the group’s key markets in Europe.
“Poland is one of the key markets for the Hitachi Group in Europe, where we have been present for 20 years.
Every day, approximately 7,000 of our employees, across 26 locations and 6 factories, contribute to building a stable and crisis-resilient Polish economy. We are growing in two ways—through investments in our local factories, operations, and technology centers, as well as through strategic partnerships.
To date, we have established such partnerships in the energy sector—including for the construction of Europe’s first fleet of small modular reactors and the modernization of the transmission grid—as well as with Poland’s largest banks in the field of innovative IT solutions and cybersecurity services. Now it is transportation’s turn—the third strategic pillar of our operations in Poland. The partnership with PESA Bydgoszcz sets new directions for development not only for the Hitachi Group in Poland but also for the entire Polish railway industry,” said Tadeusz Woszczyński.
The agreement also has an industrial dimension for Poland. PESA has gone through a phase of stabilization and rebuilding of its production capacity following its acquisition bythe Polish Development Fund (PFR).
Piotr Matczuk, president of PFR, stated that the partnership strengthens Poland’s position in European value chains.
“The partnership between PESA and Hitachi Rail marks the next stage in the development of the Bydgoszcz-based company, with PESA increasingly assuming the role of a key industrial partner in projects requiring advanced technological expertise. This partnership draws on Hitachi Rail’s European resources, including Italian expertise in the production of high-speed rail rolling stock, and is part of the strategic dimension of cooperation between Poland and Japan—one of the global leaders in railway technology.
“For PFR, this is an example of an investment that strengthens Polish industry through technology transfer, while also securing a sustainable place for Poland in European value chains. For me personally, it is also important that the development of low-emission transportation in Poland contributes to the energy transition,” said Piotr Matczuk.
Expansion into Central and Eastern Europe and Scandinavia
The partnership between PESA Bydgoszcz and Hitachi Rail is designed for the long term and includes cooperation on the production of rolling stock for other markets in Central and Eastern Europe, as well as the Scandinavian market.
The joint portfolio is expected to include high-speed trains and double-decker vehicles manufactured in Poland using aluminum technology.
In the future, the partnership could be expanded to include interregional trains and multiple units for the subway.
Share on:
