This test and technology centre will be dedicated to shaping the future of sustainable mobility solutions by bringing Alstom’s talents and technological expertise together into a single innovative ecosystem. With the centre now fully operational, Alstom pursues its commitment to facilitating a global transition to low-carbon transportation systems.
Alstom’s new test and technology centre in Västerås employs around 500 people across all domains (Rolling Stock and Components, Digital and Integrated Systems, Services as well as General Management), including engineering, industrial, projects, which are crucial for its various developmental and manufacturing activities. The new centre adds around 10,000 square metres of office space to the existing 16,000 square metres of shop floor and office space for service operations.
The opening ceremony on 30 November was attended by Daniel Westlén, State Secretary of the Minister for Environment, Henri Poupart-Lafarge, Chairman and CEO of Alstom, Gian Luca Erbacci, President of Alstom Europe, Rob Whyte, Managing Director of Alstom in the Nordics and Maria Signal Martebo, Managing Director of Alstom in Sweden.
Henri Poupart-Lafarge, Chairman and CEO of Alstom, highlighted the strategic decision to strengthen Alstom’s innovation capabilities in Sweden: “Our decision to establish a test and technology centre in Sweden is rooted in the country’s robust history of innovation and its progressive approach to sustainable development. Sweden's commitment to green technology, combined with its heritage of engineering excellence, creates an ideal environment for Alstom to advance sustainable mobility. Our goal here is not only to contribute to this innovative ecosystem but also to learn and develop within it.”
Situated in Västerås, the cradle of Swedish electrification industry, Alstom's operations here have over the years brought forth mobility innovations such as energy efficient Silicon Carbide traction and permanent magnet motors, cutting edge control technologies and battery traction.
Collaborations are already under way with exciting startups, including Stilride, a Swedish technology and design company that develops electro-mobility devices based on sustainable industrial origami, and FLOX Robotics, with their groundbreaking wildlife detection technology.
The new test and development capability in Västerås will foster closer and more extensive collaboration with leading universities in Sweden – a significant advantage in developing and testing new technologies. Surrounding companies, from small startups to big groups, also stand to benefit from proximity to the new facility.
Solutions developed, tested and industrialised by the teams in Västerås are delivered globally in a number of projects, including the conversion of diesel-electric regional trains to battery power for SNCF, rapid transit trains for Delhi and commuter trains to Paris and metros to Singapore. Alstom also has a large service and maintenance operation in Västerås, which, among other projects, is overseeing the upgrades to Stockholm Metro C20.
Alstom’s Power Lab in Västerås provides a unique facility to test the performance and reliability of powertrain innovations before they enter service. The facility aims to further enhance the performance and output of the Traction and Brakes Component Development Sites and will be utilised also for external collaboration partners within e-mobility.
“Together as a company, we have led the way in the green transition and reinforced the prominence of sustainable travel. Bringing our top skills together under one roof has created a hub where engineers and office employees collaborate closely with the production plant and our cutting-edge labs. This cohesion encourages stronger partnerships across industries, higher education institutions and startups,” emphasises Maria Signal Martebo, Managing Director of Alstom in Sweden.
Alstom's investment is a strategic response to Europe's challenges, encompassing the electrified infrastructure of the future and the fight against climate change. “Today, we are not just connecting Västerås, Mälardalen, and Sweden to Alstom's global innovation network to drive progress in the railway and automotive industry. We're also attracting talent from around the world, generating job prospects both within Alstom and in related sectors," said Maria Signal Martebo.