Alstom, a global leader in smart and sustainable mobility, has announced a major investment of over 150 million euros in its French facilities. The move aims to meet the rising demand for trains in both the French and international rail markets, especially for very-high-speed trains.
Frédéric Wiscart, president of Alstom France, said the very-high-speed train market is growing rapidly. He expressed excitement about the increasing interest in Alstom’s Avelia Horizon double-deck high-speed train. Wiscart added that this significant investment will help the company fulfill its current commitments and strengthen its industrial base using innovative Industry 4.0 technologies.
About 20% of the investment will fund a new assembly line for Avelia very-high-speed trains at Alstom’s Valenciennes Petite-Forêt site. This will be the first time the facility in northern France will host such an assembly line. The plan also includes doubling the car body shell and assembly lines for the Avelia trains at the La Rochelle site.
Digitalisation and Simulation Efforts
Wiscart also highlighted ongoing investments in digitalisation and simulation. The ‘TrainLab’ facility in La Rochelle will help shorten the testing time for new trains. Meanwhile, Alstom will build a new 250-meter-long building at its Belfort site. This building will prepare for the commercial launch of very-high-speed trains and will be large enough to hold a complete Avelia Horizon trainset.
Additional investments will target sites producing components for the Avelia trains, such as Petit Quevilly, Ornans, Tarbes, and Le Creusot. These sites will benefit from advanced welding technology and increased robotisation. Alstom is also strengthening its supply chain to support the company’s growth.
Job Creation in France
Alstom plans to hire at least 1,000 new employees in France in 2025. Along with this, the investment in production capacity will help create or secure more than 2,500 jobs among Alstom’s French suppliers.
