Siemens Mobility invests €250 million to extend Vectron locomotive output, combine superior digital options, and consolidate headquarters at Munich-Allach facility.
A Vecturo driving coach fitted with a cab equivalent to that on a Vectron locomotive Credit score: Nigel Wordsworth.
Siemens Mobility has invested round €250 million during the last two years, increasing manufacturing services and workplace area at its Munich-Allach manufacturing unit in Southern Germany.
Because of this, the manufacturing unit is now able to producing as much as 385 Vectron locomotives every year – capability that’s a lot wanted because the order backlog now stands at round 1,000 items. So far, 1,750 Vectron’s have been produced on the Allach facility for the reason that first instance was manufactured in 2010 and launched on the InnoTrans exhibition in Berlin later that yr.
The success of Vectron might be attributed to its modular development. This has allowed quite a few variations to be constructed through the years – AC traction solely (25 kV AC, 15 kV AC), DC solely (3 kV DC, and 1.5 kV DC), mixed AC/DC, diesel-powered, bimode diesel/electrical and, most lately, an AC mannequin with an additional battery pack to energy last-mile shunting.
However it’s not simply the facility programs that fluctuate. Many nations in Europe have their very own, distinctive signalling programs, although adoption of the European Prepare Management System (ETCS) is beginning to simplify preparations. Nonetheless, whereas crossing a nationwide border additionally means altering signalling programs, Siemens Mobility is constructing Vectron locomotives fitted with ETCS Baseline 3 in addition to numerous nationwide programs, with some autos authorised for operation in as much as 12 totally different nations.
By increasing the Munich-Allach services from 47,000 to over 100,000 sq. metres, Siemens has offered area for a considerable improve in manufacturing capability. Two manufacturing traces are put aside for Vectron manufacturing, with one producing a brand new locomotive daily and the opposite daily and a half.
As well as, all the frames, our bodies and cabs are additionally constructed at Allach, with robots performing lengthy welds on the frames and motorised shuttles serving to to run the virtually 20km of cables into compact cable trays. Even the portray of the physique shells is carried out on web site.
Certainly one of two manufacturing traces for Vectron locomotives at Munich-Allach. Credit score: Nigel Wordsworth
Not simply locomotive manufacture
A brand new idea is the Vectrain – a rake of passenger coaches with a Vectron cab at one finish so {that a} driver can simply function push-pull companies both from the Vectron loco that’s powering the prepare or from the Vecturo coach-with-a-cab on the far finish of the consist.
One other workshop at Allach is the Rail Service Centre. Right here, heavy overhauls are carried out on locos which have coated 1.2 million kilometres in service or that haven’t had a serious overhaul in eight years. Accident repairs are additionally performed, some minor and a few main, with locomotives being returned to service in full working order and, in all probability, a contemporary coat of paint.
Capability is being elevated from 25 locomotive overhauls and accident repairs yearly to 80 by including 4 new service tracks in addition to specialised services for remodeling bogies and wheelsets.
Digital programs usually are not uncared for. Round 70 on-site knowledge and software program specialists will help worldwide prospects with their digital transformations by offering modular companies and the Railigent X utility suite.
International HQ
With the growth of the workplaces at Allach, Siemens Mobility is transferring its headquarters from Munich-Perlach, 23km away. This inflow of personnel, along with the necessity for extra technicians in areas equivalent to welding, metalworking, mechatronics and electrical engineering, implies that 2,500 individuals will likely be working on the web site by 2028.
The brand new workplaces at Munich-Allach will grow to be the worldwide HQ for Siemens Mobility. Credit score: Siemens Mobility
Michael Peter, CEO of Siemens Mobility, stated: “Our progress right here displays the event of Siemens Mobility and is a product of our clear technique: Know-how Management and being a One Tech Firm. This implies making use of all the pieces we now have in Siemens’ portfolio and delivering it from a single supply.
“The platform idea is revolutionising our locomotive enterprise. It permits the mixture of all variants inside the similar locomotive, which is essential for attaining approvals throughout almost all European nations by integrating numerous signalling and drive programs tailor-made to buyer wants.
“For one in every of our latest orders for Rail Traction Firm, we’re delivering locomotives able to working throughout twelve totally different nations, together with between Germany and Serbia.
“Munich-Allach is way more than a manufacturing unit. It’s a spot the place area experience meets everlasting transformation. It’s a spot the place metal meets software program and synthetic intelligence. It’s a spot the place our headquarters and manufacturing unit are just about underneath one roof – collectively – shaping the transport of the longer term.”
Associated matters
Digitalisation, European Prepare Management System (ETCS), Funding & Finance, Infrastructure Developments, Passenger Expertise/Satisfaction, Rolling Inventory Upkeep, Rolling Inventory Orders/Developments, Signalling, Management & Communications, Know-how & Software program, The Workforce
