Wabtec Astana plant plans to export 5-15 locomotives over next two years
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Wabtec's Astana locomotive assembly plant is in talks to export 5-15 locomotives to various countries over the next two years, plant president Frenne Damon Lee told Kursiv. The plant, part of Wabtec Corporation, has already exported 42 locomotives to eight countries since its founding. The facility employs over 530 workers and produced its 700th locomotive this year.
Key Facts
- Wabtec's Astana plant is negotiating export of 5-15 locomotives to various countries over the next two years.
- The plant has exported 42 locomotives to Azerbaijan, Moldova, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, Mongolia, and Uzbekistan over 17 years.
- The plant employs over 530 people and produced its 700th locomotive this year, which will be delivered to Kazakhstan Temir Zholy (KTZ).
- Wabtec has invested over $230 million in the Astana plant's development.
- The plant can produce up to 120 locomotives per year.
Export Plans
Plant president Frenne Damon Lee said the company is in talks to export 5-15 locomotives to various countries over the next two years. Administration head Rauan Donsebaev specified that plans include exports to Mongolia and Azerbaijan. Donsebaev said foreign buyers can pay with their own funds, or the company can provide financing, including from the US Eximbank. Most exported locomotives are freight locomotives.
Service and Support
The plant provides service maintenance for exported locomotives, with Kazakh service teams traveling to customer countries. A 24/7 dispatch service allows foreign locomotive drivers to call for assistance at any time. The plant's locomotives have a top speed of 120 km/h and are distinguished by high efficiency and fuel economy.
Production Milestones
The Astana plant produced its 700th locomotive this year, which will be delivered to KTZ. The plant assembles Evolution series diesel locomotives with a full cycle from component installation to final testing. Wabtec has invested over $230 million in the plant's development. From next year, the plant plans to produce new engines at its Astana Diesel Service facility.
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Wabtec Astana plant plans to export 5-15 locomotives over next two years
