Since the first train entered service on today’s Slovenian rail network 180 years ago, maintenance has been essential for keeping rolling stock in running order. What began as basic steam locomotive sheds has evolved into a network of five major workshops and five light maintenance depots, providing comprehensive maintenance services for all types of rail vehicles operating along the two key European rail freight corridors crossing Slovenia. The country’s strategic location and the continuous growth of the Slovenian Railways (SZ) fleet enabled SZ-VIT to develop extensive expertise and expand its services to rolling stock owners throughout Europe.
While maintenance workshops owned by national railway operators are traditionally focused on supporting their parent companies, the liberalization of the European rail market, particularly in freight transport, created new opportunities by opening access to leasing companies and private train operators. SZ-VIT responded by establishing partnerships with international freight fleet owners nearly two decades ago and has since built long-term cooperation with operators and owners of electric locomotives across Europe.
Every new vehicle added to SZ’s fleet is an opportunity for growth – whether through investment in equipment, staff training, facility upgrades, or new certifications. Our commitment to quality, flexibility, and customer- focused service has earned the trust of many rolling stock owners, including customers who send their locomotives to Slovenia exclusively for scheduled overhauls.
Expanding Vectron Maintenance Capabilities
Over the years, our expertise in electric locomotive maintenance has expanded from Siemens ES 64 F4 and ES 64 U4 locomotives to Siemens Vectron, one of Europe’s most widely used locomotives. Each new vehicle type has helped improve our technical capabilities and broadened our maintenance portfolio.
A significant milestone was achieved at the end of last year when, in collaboration with a customer, we completed specialist training for the maintenance of ETCS, SCMT, and TBL+ onboard train control systems on Siemens Vectron locomotives. Another important step followed in
June this year, when we launched the first Vectron overhaul project for a long-standing international customer. To support this capability, we invested in new measurement technology and obtained certification for Knorr braking system maintenance. Training was conducted by Knorr specialists at our Ljubljana facility and included a formal competency assessment. Together with our existing certifications for the ES 64 U4 and ES 64 F4, this allows us to provide a complete range of brake maintenance services, including full overhaul works where brake components are disassembled and sent to the manufacturer for servicing. To further strengthen our capabilities, we invested in an A5 portable measuring arm, a state-of-the-art solution for bogie overhaul and dimensional inspection of the Vectron and ES 64 F4 units. The system allows highly accurate three-dimensional measurements and digital modelling of components, improving inspection quality, repair accuracy and reverse-engineering capabilities for replacement parts.
This investment supported the award of a major two year contract covering bodywork and bogie overhauls on Vectron and F4 locomotives. At the same time, it enhanced the technical expertise of our workforce and reinforced our competitiveness along the RFC 5 and RFC 10 European rail freight corridors. Looking ahead, the introduction of Traxx locomotives to the Slovenian rail network presents another opportunity to expand our maintenance portfolio and expertise.
Modernization of Diesel and Shunting Locomotives
Alongside electric traction, SZ-VIT provides comprehensive modernization services for diesel and shunting locomotives. The Balkan region remains one of our key markets for diesel traction maintenance, where we have successfully completed several major refurbishment projects in recent years.
These modernization programmes typically include complete vehicle refurbishment, engine replacement and upgrades of key mechanical and electrical systems. Depending on customer requirements, projects may also involve the replacement or modernization of additional components to improve reliability, performance and operational lifespan.
Comprehensive Stadler Fleet Maintenance
Another important milestone was achieved with the introduction of Stadler FLIRT and KISS multiple units into the Slovenian Railways’ passenger fleet. Following the first maintenance activities in 2020 and the upgrades to our workshop infrastructure, we have developed comprehensive maintenance capabilities for both types of trains.
To maximize fleet availability, maintenance activities are performed across multiple locations on the Slovenian rail network. Although Stadler vehicles follow a maintenance sequence different from the one usually applied at our shops, we have successfully adapted and now deliver almost all maintenance levels.
Today, SZ-VIT maintains more than half of the Stadler multiple units no longer covered by the manufacturer’s warranty. Over the coming years, we plan to expand these activities to cover the entire fleet of 72 Stadler units operated by Slovenian Railways.
Amongst other, our specialist services include a dedicated wheelset replacement workshop in Ptuj and engine replacement on diesel multiple units, further strengthening our position as a full-service maintenance provider.
Looking Ahead
As new rolling stock enters operation in Slovenia and elsewhere in Europe, SZ-VIT continues to build its image as a trusted maintenance partner for railway operators, leasing companies and fleet owners.
By continuously investing in technology, infrastructure, certifications and employee expertise, we ensure that our services evolve alongside our customers’ fleets and the latest industry developments. Every new project represents not only an opportunity to deliver technical excellence, but also to build long-term partnerships founded on reliability, flexibility and mutual growth.
VIT keeps your vehicles FIT.
For more information, visit: www.sz-vit.si
sales@sz-vit.si | +386 30 609 170
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