First LRV production line in Latin America is launched in Taubaté
Project was assisted by Investe São Paulo; the Agency’s director, Sérgio Costa, attended the opening ceremony of the plant
Investe São Paulo, with information from Alstom
On March 3, the director of Investe São Paulo, Sérgio Costa, participated in the opening ceremony of Alston’s new production line in Taubaté, São Paulo. The unit will produce Citadis, a Light Rail Vehicle (LRV) model, to supply the Brazilian market and, in the near future, Latin America.
Approximately R$ 50 million was invested in the project, which was assisted by São Paulo’s Agency for the Promotion of Investments and Competitiveness in tax, environmental and infrastructure matters. “When Alstom came to Investe São Paulo, we all asked the company to make the state of São Paulo its export platform not only to Latin America, but to the world. Here, we have skilled labor, sustainability for the business and support from the local government,” said Costa.
When in full operation, the plant will generate approximately 150 direct jobs. The first LRVs to be produced in Taubaté are part of the 32 Citadis model trains ordered for the city of Rio de Janeiro, for the LRV Carioca consortium, in September 2013. This contract is part of the project called Porto Maravilha, led by the municipality to revitalize the port area of Rio. The LRVs are planned to be delivered between 2015 and mid 2016, in time for the Olympic Games.
“More than a transport model, Light Rail redesigns the cities and offers the population a sustainable, comfortable and affordable mobility. This system has been adopted by a large number of cities around the world over the past decades. Undoubtedly, this trend is just in the beginning in Brazil and, for this reason, Alstom invested in a new production line, to follow new LRV projects, not only for Brazil but also for the entire Latin America,” said Michel Boccaccio , Senior Vice President of Alstom Transport in Latin America.
The new plant covers approximately 16,000 m² and is capable of producing 7 to 8 trains per month. The unit itself values good environmental practices and will use, for example, rain water for the tests made with water on trains. According to the president of Alstom in Brazil, Marcos Costa, LRVs represent the future of urban mobility. “This investment reflects Alstom’s commitment with innovation and the pioneering spirit in Brazil,” said him during the event.
The mayor of Taubaté, José Ortiz Junior, spoke about the importance of the project to the city. “Alstom is part of the development of railway transportation in Latin America. Maybe in ten years we will be able to witness the arrival of Light Rail in Taubaté, since the city currently has a population of approximately 300,000 people and grows 1.2% per year.” He noted that a technology park is under construction in the city, which will even house a School of Technology (Fatec).
Alstom has sold 1,900 Citadis to 49 cities around the world. Approximately 1,500 units are in circulation and have carried more than 6 billion passengers.
About Alstom Transport
Promoting sustainable mobility, Alstom Transport develops and commercializes the most complete range of systems, equipment and services in the railway sector. Alstom Transport manages entire transport systems, including rolling stock, signaling and infrastructure, in addition to offering “turnkey” solutions. Alstom Transport reported sales totaling 5.9 billion euros in the fiscal year 2013/2014. It is present in more than 60 countries and employs 28,300 people.