Vossloh AG is stepping up its presence on the American continent and opening a production plant for Vossloh rail fastening systems in the USA.
The fitting out of the facility will start in the third quarter of 2013, with plant commissioning followed by regular production scheduled to begin after mid-2014. There will be 50 new jobs at the plant in Waco, Texas.
By manufacturing within the USA, Vossloh will be meeting the requirements of the ‘Buy American Act’ that obligates the US government to give preference to contractors producing in the USA. Being the world’s foremost manufacturer of rail fastening systems, Vossloh is thus laying the decisive foundations to be eligible for contracts awarded by the public sector. In this way, Vossloh will benefit more intensively from growth in the US rail market, specifically heavy haul, transit and high speed lines.
According to the World Rail Market Study published in 2012 by the Association of the European Rail Industry and Roland Berger Strategy Consultants, in the period 2009 to 2011 the NAFTA region was the world’s second biggest rail infrastructure market with an annual accessible volume of 5.5 billion euros. Over the years ahead, the market volume in the USA, Canada and Mexico is set to again show a steady rate of expansion, rising to 5.9 billion euros annually in 2015 to 2017. Besides replacement expenditures, funds are planned for the busy freight haulage network as well as sophisticated new high speed projects and rapid transit lines.
With its two divisions, transportation and rail infrastructure, Vossloh AG has for a number of years been successfully operating on the North American market where it is the third biggest supplier of switches, turnouts and their components. Vossloh’s transportation division supplies rail vehicle components besides having completed an extensive array of complex bus and light rail refurbishment projects.
Having spent a decade in the fastener industry experiencing every facet – from steel mills, fastener manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, as well as machinery builders and plating + coating companies, Claire has developed an in-depth knowledge of all things fasteners.
Alongside visiting numerous companies, exhibitions and conferences around the world, Claire has also interviewed high profile figures – focusing on key topics impacting the sector and making sure readers stay up to date with the latest developments within the industry.
