Alstom has announced an investment plan exceeding EUR 150 million to expand production capacity at its sites in France. The investment aims to meet growing demand in the French and international rail markets, particularly for very high-speed trains.
“The very high-speed market is currently experiencing strong growth, and Alstom is delighted to see the growing interest in the Avelia Horizon double-deck high-speed train, a truly unique offering on the market,” said Frédéric Wiscart, President of Alstom France. “This unprecedented programme for the Group will enable us to meet our current commitments and strengthen Alstom’s industrial base with innovative technologies stemming from Industry 4.0 to better serve customers.”
Alstom investment plan: Expanding production capacity
To support increasing demand for its Avelia very high-speed train platform, Alstom will enhance its production capabilities and mobilise its industrial infrastructure. The company has outlined a strategic plan to accelerate investments, with key developments including:
- New Assembly Line: A new production line for Avelia very high-speed trains will be established at Alstom’s Valenciennes Petite-Forêt site, marking the first such facility at this location. This initiative will account for 20% of the total investment.
- La Rochelle Site Expansion: Carbody shell and assembly lines for Avelia very high-speed trains will be doubled at Alstom’s La Rochelle site to increase manufacturing capacity.
- Lean Manufacturing & Digital Innovation: The new production lines will incorporate Lean manufacturing processes to improve efficiency and ergonomics. Additionally, investments in digitalisation and simulation, including the ‘TrainLab’ in La Rochelle, will help reduce testing times for new trains.
- Belfort Facility Expansion: A new 250-metre-long building will be constructed at Alstom’s Belfort site to accommodate complete Avelia Horizon trainsets ahead of their commercial launch.
- Component Manufacturing Sites: Investments will also be made at facilities producing components for Avelia very high-speed trains, including sites in Petit Quevilly, Ornans, Tarbes, and Le Creusot. This will involve the integration of robotic systems and advanced welding technology.
- Supply Chain Support: Alstom will invest in its supply chain to assist suppliers in meeting the company’s growth requirements.
The investment plan will result in the recruitment of at least 1,000 new employees in France in 2025. Furthermore, it is expected to generate or safeguard over 2,500 jobs within Alstom’s French supplier network.
Avelia Horizon: Advancing high-speed rail
The Avelia Horizon, Alstom’s latest generation of double-deck very high-speed trains, builds on more than 40 years of high-speed rail expertise. Designed to operate at speeds of up to 300 km/h, the train features two innovative short-length power cars for enhanced performance and compactness, alongside articulated double-deck passenger carriages.
Offering the largest seating capacity in its category, Avelia Horizon prioritises passenger comfort while reducing operational costs. The train’s optimised bogies contribute to a 30% reduction in preventive maintenance expenses.
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