First Refurbishment Contract in Partnership with the SNCB
Bombardier Transportation has been commissioned by the SNCB (the Belgian National Railways) to refurbish 130 type-M5 double-deck coaches, as well as to conduct the heavy maintenance of all the bogies and brakes.
This contract, valued at approximately 50 million euros (approximately $67 million US), is a milestone, both for SNCB and Bombardier, as it is the first refurbishment contract ever in partnership with the SNCB. It covers an upgrade of both technical and design-related items, such as new passenger seats and windows, air-conditioning of the driver’s post, new vestibules with automated doors, and a novel design of the luggage compartments.
The M5-vehicles, which are to be refurbished from October 2008 until the end of 2011, were originally built in Bombardier’s Bruges plant (Belgium) at the end of the 1980s. The refurbishment will be carried out at the SNCB shop in Cuesmes (Belgium) and consists of three phases. First, Bombardier will test the viability of the concept by modernizing the first two vehicles on its own. Then, the next four vehicles will be modernized jointly by Bombardier and SNCB together, with the aim of transferring Bombardier’s knowledge, capability and technology to SNCB. Finally, for the remaining 124 vehicles, Bombardier will supply all the necessary parts to NMBS, packaged in “Just-In-Time”-kits.
Bombardier has been selected by the SNCB for its unrivalled combination of three complementary strengths: superior design and execution, competitive prices for quality offerings, and the synergy with the SNCB’s type M6-vehicles.
Belgian Railways CEO Marc Descheemaecker is looking forward to this partnership: "The refurbishment of the M5 double-deck trains is an important step for the SNCB. By giving them a new and modern look, the quality of these trains will improve significantly and our customers will travel very comfortably trains. Every year our number of customers grows with 6%, so this is a very important investment for the SNCB."
Laurent Troger, Vice President, Continental Europe, Bombardier Transportation, Services, comments: “This contract represents a milestone in the partnership of SNCB with Bombardier. We are very pleased with the trust SNCB places in our refurbishment capabilities, and are looking forward to developing our relationship further.”
Background facts and figures
About SNCB
SNCB is a Belgian public law company that organises the national and international rail transport of passengers and goods. SNCB also owns and manages the train fleet.
SNCB employs over 18,300 people and realises a turnover of approximately 2.069 billion euro (2006).
SNCB participates also in other companies like Eurostar, Thalys, IFB, TRW.
While offering a reliable and market - oriented quality service SNCB plays a key role in the field of sustainable mobility.
About Bombardier Transportation
Bombardier Transportation has its global headquarters in Berlin, Germany with a presence in over 60 countries. It has an installed base of over 100,000 vehicles worldwide. The Group offers the broadest product portfolio and is recognized as the leader in the global rail sector.
About Bombardier
A world-leading manufacturer of innovative transportation solutions, from regional aircraft and business jets to rail transportation equipment, systems and services, Bombardier Inc. is a global corporation headquartered in Canada. Its revenues for the fiscal year ended Jan. 31, 2007, were $14.8 billion US, and its shares are traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (BBD). News and information are available at www.bombardier.com.
For Further Information Please Contact:
For NMBS / SNCB:
Mr. Jochem Goovaerts: Tel +32 478 20 53 07 (Dutch- and English speaking press)
Ms. Anne Woygnet: Tel +32 475 49 92 93 (French- and English speaking press)
For Bombardier:
Americas
David Slack: + 1 450 441 3190
Germany, Austria
Birgit Stallmann: + 49 30 986 07 1136
Switzerland
Fiona Flannery: +41 44 318 29 91
Central and Eastern Europe, Russia
Natalia Kourakina-Lattner: + 49 30 986 07 1137
UK, Ireland, Nordic Countries, Australia, New Zealand, other countries
Neil Harvey: + 44 1332 2664703
Benelux and France
Anne Froger: + 33 6 07 78 95 38
France
Jean-Pierre Hulot: +33 1 41 34 08 45
Spain, Portugal, Italy, Greece, Turkey, India
Luis Ramos: + 35 1 919 693 728