Wabtec Lands Akiem Locomotive Service Contract
Written by Marybeth Luczak, Executive Editor
Improving safety, reliability and availability of rolling stock is the aim of Wabtec’s partnership with Akiem, Wabtec reported on Oct. 13. (Photograph Courtesy of Wabtec)
Wabtec on Oct. 13 reported signing a five-year contract with Akiem, a European rolling stock leasing company, to maintain locomotive components for rail operator customers in France and Germany.
The aim, Wabtec said, is to improve safety, reliability and availability of rolling stock for Akiem’s customers.
The agreement covers brake components, pantographs and HVAC for Akiem’s PRIMA and TRAXX fleets in France and Germany.
Wabtec said its product expertise and the proximity of its teams to Akiem’s maintenance sites not only helped it land the contract, but also will help “further the support of Akiem for both overhauling [its] equipment as well as optimizing the fleets while in service with [its] customers.”
Operating in 21 European countries and serving more than 80 customers, Akiem offers a fleet of 620 locomotives and 160-plus passenger units. It is owned by TLP (SNCF Participations) and Eurotraction, an investment fund managed by DWS, an international asset manager that focuses on infrastructure.
“This crucial equipment maintenance partnership with Akiem sees Wabtec working directly with the owner of the rolling stock,” Wabtec Transit Services Group President Sameer Gaur said. “Akiem’s key role in this value chain means it fully measures the value of robust and reliable equipment.”
“We are confident this long-term partnership with the Wabtec team regarding the revisions of components will enable Akiem to secure and shorten our maintenance operations on half our current fleet, to the direct benefit of our customers,” Akiem Purchasing Director Maxandre Garzino-Fréchot said. “Wabtec’s flexibility along with the possibility to acquire new spare parts, or even extend the scope of services will indisputably be a source of a successful partnership.”
According to Wabtec, the partners are also slated “to work together to develop innovative services, including additive manufacturing, remote diagnostics, and more sustainable HVAC refrigerants, to optimize efficiency and environmental performance.”
