Alstom To Produce TRAXX Africa Bodyshells

On 13 September 2022, Alstom announced that it has expanded its manufacturing capabilities in South Africa through the acquisition of assets for the manufacturing of bodyshells from TMH Africa. Alstom sourced bodyshells for its TRAXX Africa Class 23 locomotive project with Transnet before the company filed for business rescue in May 2022. TMH acquired this facility in 2018, initially DCD Rolling Stock of Boksburg, following its financial problems.

Through this acquisition, Alstom welcomed all 105 employees and retained the expertise in the country. The local manufacturing of bodyshells represents a key milestone as Alstom grows its portfolio of products and expands its geographic footprint in Southern Africa.     

Alstom’s strategy is illustrated by investments and acquisitions done in the country. The company is the majority shareholder of four major joint ventures in South Africa: Alstom Ubunye, Gibela Rail, Bombardier Transportation SA and Bombela Maintenance.

We asked Alstom: 

In what month Alstom took over the facility? The company answered us:
"Alstom took over the facility in August 2022 as the completion of the business rescue process."

How many bodyshells are being built there?
"The facility will produce over 100 bodyshells to complete our current project in South Africa. Beyond that, the purchase of assets to produce bodyshells for locomotives is in line with our long-term growth strategy to introduce much needed state-of-the-art freight solutions to the rest of the Southern Africa market."