Work begins on Stadler’s new centre of excellence for double-deck trains

524
Photo: Stadler.
Photo: Stadler.
Listen to this article

Stadler has held a groundbreaking ceremony in St. Margrethen, Switzerland, as work begins on its new centre of excellence for double-deck trainsets.

Around 86 million Swiss francs (∼€74.1 million) is being invested in the new plant, which will see its capability for manufacturing KISS double-deck trains moved from the current site in Altenrhein when work is completed in 2020.

A spokesperson for Stadler said that, due to labour costs and the “currency situation” in Switzerland, its margins are currently under “high pressure”.


Like this story? Follow us on Facebook to keep up to date with rail industry news


Photo: Stadler.
Photo: Stadler.

To maintain its position in Switzerland, Stadler is improving its efficiency by moving from the former aircraft factory in Altenrhein, which Stadler says is not “optimally aligned to requirements”, into the new plant.

Stadler chair Peter Spuhler said (Translated from German): “This shows that we believe in the workplace Switzerland and defend it even in difficult times.”

The new 65,000sqm site has an existing siding and a planned production and storage area of 35,000sqm.


Read more: Stadler-Siemens assembles first new S-Bahn train