Traxtion, one of Africa’s largest private freight rail operators, is expanding its locomotive rebuild and overhaul capabilities at the Rosslyn Rail Services Hub in Pretoria, South Africa, to meet increasing demand driven by rail reform and the need for rolling stock across the continent.
The company recently opened a new 2,500 sqm facility at the hub to house its parts store, offering a more comprehensive service to clients and reducing turnaround times. The site already includes a wheel shop, paint booth, and a TETA-accredited training centre that annually trains diesel electrical fitter artisans.
The expanded parts store forms part of Traxtion’s drive to deliver a one-stop solution for locomotive and wagon components, including refurbishment services aimed at helping customers cut costs and manage time-sensitive projects more efficiently.
In response to expected future growth, Traxtion last year welcomed its largest-ever intake of diesel electrical fitter apprentices into the training centre. The move supports not only the company’s expansion but also the broader development of skilled professionals in the region’s rail industry.
Demonstrating its approach to innovation, Traxtion recently completed the rebuild of four scrapped UC20 locomotives into 2000HP units for a client in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The locomotives were rebuilt and upgraded at a fraction of the cost and time typically required by Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs). The project, which won industry recognition, was delivered with the support of local suppliers and engineering firms, and executed by Traxtion’s in-house team of skilled artisans.
Chief Executive Officer James Holley said the Rosslyn Rail Services Hub allows the company to deliver the highest quality outcomes in rolling stock interventions.
“This means that when we release the locomotives into service, we are releasing assets that have everything in their favour for successful operations out in the field,” Holley said.
He added: “Having the right technicians, the right processes and procedures, the right facilities to maintain the locomotives, and having outstanding regional managers are fundamentally important, but the first step is starting with the right quality assets and that is what the Rail Services Hub achieves for us.”
Traxtion is also investing in technology and innovation, having introduced digitised maintenance systems across its operations and begun installing new control systems in older locomotive fleets.
By focusing on sustainable refurbishment and modernisation, Traxtion aims to support operators in enhancing fleet management and operational efficiency.
“As rail reform accelerates and the demand for rolling stock soars,” Holley said, “it showcases Traxtion’s commitment to sustainability and forward-thinking practices.”
Holley concluded: “Our 37 years in the rail industry has given us the perfect platform from which to contribute to the broader development of the rail industry here and in the rest of Africa.”
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