Alstom

Alstom
source
Name	Alstom
Foundation	0 1928
Founder	Compagnie Française Thomson-Houston, Société Alsacienne de Constructions Mécaniques
Location	Saint-Ouen-sur-Seine, France
Industry	Rail transport
Products	High-speed trains, trams, metro systems, signalling solutions
Revenue	€15.7 billion (2022)
Num employees	74,500 (2022)
Homepage	https://www.alstom.com

Alstom is a French multinational corporation operating in the rail transport equipment and services sector. It is a global leader in the design, manufacturing, and maintenance of a comprehensive portfolio of rolling stock, signalling systems, and infrastructure solutions. The company's products and services are integral to urban and mainline mobility networks worldwide, from high-speed rail to metro systems. Headquartered in Saint-Ouen-sur-Seine, near Paris, it plays a pivotal role in advancing sustainable and digital mobility.

History

The company's origins trace back to 1928 through the merger of the railway division of Compagnie Française Thomson-Houston and Société Alsacienne de Constructions Mécaniques. A significant early achievement was the development of the CC 7100 class locomotives, which set world speed records in the 1950s. Throughout the late 20th century, it expanded through strategic acquisitions, including the rail businesses of De Dietrich and BN Constructions Ferroviaires et Métalliques. The turn of the millennium saw the company face financial difficulties, leading to a major restructuring and a bailout by the French government. A transformative period began in 2021 with the completion of its acquisition of Bombardier Transportation, a move that significantly expanded its global footprint and product portfolio, solidifying its position as the world's second-largest rolling stock manufacturer.

Products and services

The company's portfolio encompasses a wide range of rolling stock, including high-speed trains like the AGV and the Avelia family, regional trains such as the Coradia series, and metro and tram systems like the Metropolis and Citadis families. Beyond vehicles, it is a major provider of signalling and train control technologies, including the European Train Control System and Communications-Based Train Control systems. Its services division offers comprehensive maintenance, modernisation, and digital mobility solutions, ensuring fleet availability and performance for operators like SNCF, Deutsche Bahn, and Network Rail. The company is also actively developing hydrogen-powered trains, exemplified by the Coradia iLint.

Operations and markets

With a presence in over 70 countries, the company operates a global network of engineering, manufacturing, and maintenance sites. Key production facilities are located across Europe, including in Belfort, Valenciennes, and Salzgitter, as well as in the Americas, Asia-Pacific, and Africa. It serves a diverse client base of public and private railway operators and transit authorities. Major markets include France, Germany, the United Kingdom, India, and the United States, where it is involved in landmark projects such as the Acela fleet renewal for Amtrak. The integration of Bombardier Transportation's operations has further strengthened its capabilities in key regions like North America and Central Europe.

Corporate affairs

The company is publicly traded on the Euronext Paris exchange and is a constituent of the CAC 40 index. Its governance structure includes a Board of Directors and an Executive Committee led by a Chief Executive Officer. A significant shareholder is the Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec, reflecting the legacy of the Bombardier Transportation acquisition. The corporation maintains a strong focus on corporate social responsibility, with commitments aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in promoting sustainable transport and reducing carbon emissions. Its research and development efforts are concentrated on innovations in digitalisation, automation, and alternative propulsion systems.

Notable projects

The company has been responsible for some of the world's most iconic rail projects. It supplied the TGV trainsets that revolutionized high-speed travel in France and beyond. Internationally, it provided trains for the automated Singapore MRT and the Delhi Metro. Recent major contracts include building the next-generation Intercity Express trains for the United Kingdom and the new Avelia Liberty high-speed trains for the Northeast Corridor in the United States. It is also a key participant in the Réseau Express Métropolitain project in Montreal and the Sydney Metro expansion in Australia.

Category:Rail transport companies of France Category:Companies listed on Euronext Paris Category:Manufacturing companies established in 1928