The railway equipment specialist Wabtec (27,000 employees for 10 billion dollars in turnover in 2023), since the acquisition of Faiveley Transport in 2016, has relied on the expertise of its two industrial sites based in Touraine of its subsidiary Wabtec Transit. In total, 800 employees of this subsidiary dedicated to passenger transport equipment work on the sites of Saint-Pierre-des-Corps and La Ville aux Dames, east of Tours (Indre-et-Loire).
With over 65 years of expertise, the Saint-Pierre-des-Corps site specializes in the design and production of doors (landing and on-board) while the La Ville aux Dames site is the group’s skills center for the design and manufacture of electronic systems (passenger control and information systems). The equipment manufacturer announced in July that an envelope of 30 million euros would be devoted to the expansion and modernization of the Saint-Pierre-des-Corps site: by summer 2026, the two sites will become one. 16,000 m2 of redeveloped offices and workshops will accommodate the 800 employees.
“A center of excellence, a showcase for our transport activities in France”
«We have chosen to rehabilitate our Saint-Pierre-des-Corps site to make it the showcase of our transport activity in France. And to regroup all the activities there to make our production more fluid while securing all the skills accumulated over several decades at the Tours hub.“, explains Patrick Rosay, General Manager of the Wabtec site in Saint-Pierre-des-Corps. A strategic choice that is based on the capacities of the site which extends over 6.3 hectares, of which two of the three buildings – 9,700 m² and 6,300 m² – will be rehabilitated. The space freed up after the work will also make it possible to recreate a 250-space car park. Work will begin at the end of 2024 for a transfer of activities to be completed by summer 2026.
A better adapted and “more eco-responsible” working tool
Of the two main buildings renovated according to RE 2020 standards for the tertiary parts, 2900 m² will be destroyed and replaced by a new construction that will house a new 2200 m² electronics workshop, a connecting gallery and a 200 m² extension of the restaurant. The 9700 m² building will be renovated to accommodate workshops and new offices on three levels. And on all the roofs, photovoltaic panels will be installed while canopies will cover the parking lots. The objective is to produce electricity for self-consumption. Heat recovery solutions are also being studied.
A unique 3D center in Europe
In 2022, the Tours site had already distinguished itself by hosting a 3D printing center, labeled Industrie du Futur showcase, with the support of France Relance. An activity that allows Wabtec to meet customer needs by reproducing unique parts or in small series. This 3D printing makes it possible to overcome obsolescence problems by extending the life of equipment… and has opened up markets beyond the railway sector, for artistic parts, molding tools or even carbon masts for competition boats and aeronautical connectors.
This new investment confirms the American group’s innovation choices and its quest for local solutions to meet the challenges linked to the ecological transition.It is also a way for the group to reaffirm its commitment to Made in France by investing in the future. It is a strong choice that strengthens Wabtec’s involvement in France “, rejoices Patrick Rosay, the general manager.
Source: www.usinenouvelle.com
