Alstom Boosts Brake Overhaul Capabilities

Alstom has strengthened its brake maintenance expertise through the recent acquisition of Alstom Ametsis, enabling more competitive FlexCare Sustain™ solutions for braking system repair and overhaul. With a dedicated Component Services Centre in Madrid and in-house capabilities around the world, Alstom is well-positioned to meet diverse regulatory requirements while reducing reliance on third-party suppliers.

Key Highlights:

  • Acquisition of Alstom Ametsis enhances technical expertise and expands in-house production capabilities for brake components.
  • Component Services Centre in Madrid consolidates brake maintenance expertise, supporting Alstom projects globally.
  • In-house brake repair projects in Kazakhstan, Algeria, and Australia leverage local expertise to meet specific needs.
  • Alstom Ametsis provides overhaul kits and test benches, ensuring compliance with train parameters and improving overall cost competitiveness.

Challenges in Brake Maintenance

Brake systems are safety-critical, requiring all repairs and overhauls to comply with strict safety regulations, which vary significantly from country to country. Meeting compliance often involves extensive laboratory testing, prototype installation, and long-term testing in commercial service. Additionally, the cost of brake system maintenance constitutes around 15% of a train’s total maintenance expenses, driven by components produced by limited suppliers. Ensuring competitiveness in maintenance is a constant challenge for Alstom.

Alstom’s Strategic Positioning

Alstom’s Component Services Centre in Madrid is the cornerstone of its brake expertise, where specialists develop the knowledge needed for worldwide projects. The acquisition of Alstom Ametsis in 2023 brought additional technical capabilities, allowing Alstom to carry out brake overhauls in-house in multiple regions. This global-local synergy allows Alstom to be less dependent on external equipment manufacturers, making it more competitive.

Expertise from Alstom Ametsis

Alstom Ametsis provides comprehensive overhaul and repair services for brake systems, including a portfolio of over 200,000 references for overhaul kits. It also designs and develops test benches to validate equipment compliance and produces brake components such as compressors and valves. The expertise of the 38 employees from Alstom Ametsis adds significant value, enabling further support for Alstom projects across the globe.

Benefits for Customers

Customers benefit from an expanded selection of suppliers, which fosters competition and results in more cost-effective solutions. By producing more components in-house, Alstom can offer competitive prices and faster responses to customer needs. For smaller customers in Spain, Alstom Ametsis continues to provide the high level of service previously offered, ensuring that these clients are not overlooked in favor of larger suppliers. Alstom aims to expand globally while maintaining strong relationships with its Spanish customer base.

Source

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The BRAKE Report

The BRAKE Report is an online media platform dedicated to the automotive and commercial vehicle brake segments. Our mission is to provide the global brake community with the latest news & headlines from around the industry.