Rail supplier news from Pandrol, Alstom and Advanced Power Dynamics

Pandrol announced today that it has entered an agreement with the Metal and Chemistry Research Institute (MCRI) of the China Academy of Railway Sciences to expand Pandrol's presence and technological influence in the country. The partnership will promote Pandrol's aluminothermic welding (ATW) solution, i+weld, and support China Railway's Auto ATW requirements, Pandrol officials said in a press release. A signing ceremony took place at the 2025 Beijing Modern Railway event in July. At the event, Pandrol China showcased its welding systems and most recent innovations, company officials said. "Innovations like our i+weld solution are just right for the Chinese market and with the technical support and training from our experienced team means rail welds can be completed more quickly and at a higher standard, whilst addressing skills shortages," said Nicolas Demond, Pandrol head of engineering ATW/EQC.

Alstom has entered a contract valued at 470 million euros with Ukrainian Railways to supply 55 Traxx locomotives, with delivery beginning in 2027. Alstom will design and manufacture the locomotives in Belford, France. The contract price also includes training for drivers and maintenance personnel, and some parts deliveries, Alstom officials said in a press release. The electric locomotives are dual-voltage, will operate at speeds close to 75 mph and will use Ukrainian-made security systems and radio stations. The contract will primarily be financed by 300 million euros from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and US$190 million from the World Bank, Alstom officials said. The order is an important step in updating Ukraine's outdated fleet of locomotives, which has an average age of 46 years. Ukrainian Railways handles both freight and passenger transport. 

Advanced Power Dynamics Inc. (APD), an Ontario-based rail engineering company, has signed a contract worth C$296 million to overhaul 180 of Egyptian National Railways' (ENR) freight locomotives. APD, in partnership with ENR, will renovate and upgrade ENR's Henschel and AdTranz locomotives. The contract was  executed during the TransMEA 2025 exhibition in Cairo, held earlier this month. The agreement marks a step forward for Egypt's freight-rail industry and for industrial collaboration between Egypt and Canada, APD officials said in a press release.