Stadler remains on course for success in Asia
Bussnang TG - The rail vehicle construction company Stadler Rail remains on course for success in Asia. Following the establishment of a joint venture company in Indonesia, the company has now landed its first major contract from Taiwan.
Stadler Rail is to deliver 34 diesel-electric locomotives to Taiwan, as detailed in a press release issued by the rail vehicle construction company based in the St.GallenBodenseeArea. The first major order from the Pacific region represents a second success story for Stadler in Asia within a short period of time. A few weeks ago, a joint venture company was founded in conjunction with PT Inka from Indonesia.
The order from Taiwan Railways Administration (TRA) is valued at 165 million euro. TRA is planning to use the locomotives from Stadler for passenger and freight traffic on the narrow-gauge network. “The locomotives will be used in demanding mountainous topography – similar to that of Switzerland – and in extreme climatic conditions”, comments Thomas Ahlburg, Group CEO at Stadler, in the press release. He adds: “Stadler is very familiar with adapting rail vehicles to such specific challenges. Combined with the ability to build lightweight yet environmentally-friendly locomotives, these are important reasons for our success in Taiwan”.
The order also brings to an end a “long dry spell” for Stadler with regard to the Asian market. The firm had previously tried in vain several times to secure success in Asia from its domestic markets. Subsequently, Stadler searched for a suitable local partner in Asia for more than a decade before establishing the joint-venture company with PT Inka.