“Ukrainian Railway Company (Ukrzaliznytsia) and General Electric Transportation could launch in 2018 the production of locomotives, with localization in Ukraine”, announced Ukrainian Prime Minister, Volodymyr Groysman.
According to the Ukrainian Minister of Infrastructure, Volodymyr Omelian, a final agreement on the establishment of a joint-venture could be signed this November. The Minister of Infrastructure said he wished the spare parts that General Electric delivered internationally would also be localised in Ukraine, not just the locomotive production.
“At present, we are carrying out a modernisation programme of Ukrzaliznytsia. We need traction rolling stock and we consider launching a production line with General Electric as of 2018”, added Prime Minister Groysman. He then underlined the importance of manufacturing the locomotives in Ukraine.
General Electric expressed their intention of launching the locomotive production in the Ukrainian market as early as July. To that end, the American company negotiated with Ukrzaliznytsia and Kryukow Wagon Plant (KVSZ), the local rolling stock manufacturer, based in Kiev. In turn, Ukrzaliznytsia has also met with Siemens.
However, negotiations stopped to concluding an agreement between Ukrzaliznytsia and General Electric. Apart from the modernisation of the locomotive fleet, the establishment of a joint-venture with General Electric will bring several benefits to the Ukrainian railway company, among which significant investments and access to modern technological solutions.
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