Stadler Kazakhstan to launch Central Asia's first aluminum bodyshell production
updated on 16th Sep 2026 11:01 posted on 12th Sep 2026 10:21
Stadler is expanding its production site in Astana by investing more than 14 billion Tenge (around 25 million CHF) in the construction of aluminum bodyshell welding and painting workshops. This will be the first highly automated facility in Central Asia dedicated to the production of aluminum rail bodyshells.
As part of the preparations for the launch of the new workshops, Stadler Kazakhstan is carrying out a phased recruitment programme and providing training for local specialists in aluminum welding and painting technologies at Stadler facilities in Europe. Previously, under the localization program, Kazakh employees received training and gained expertise in Switzerland and Poland in the assembly of bogies, electrical cabinets, and underfloor equipment.
The launch of the new workshops will:
- increase the localization level of the enterprise;
- expand the range of products manufactured for Kazakhstan and export projects;
- create new jobs;
- integrate Kazakhstan into Stadler’s global supply chain.
Today, Stadler Kazakhstan’s production site in Astana has already localized key technological operations, including steel car bodyshell welding and painting, electrical equipment manufacturing, underfloor equipment production, bogie manufacturing, installation of pneumatic and electrical systems, as well as the assembly and commissioning of all types of coaches. The company currently employs more than 650 people. The new workshops are expected to create approximately 100 additional jobs.
It should be noted that on 28 November 2025, during the fifth meeting of the Kazakhstan-Switzerland Business Council, an agreement was signed with the Ministry of Industry and Construction of Kazakhstan on the further development of Stadler’s railway manufacturing operations in Kazakhstan. Stadler Group’s total investment in Kazakhstan between 2023 and 2031 will amount to at least 29.5 billion KZT (around 53 million CHF).
According to the agreement with the Ministry of Industry and Construction of Kazakhstan, Stadler is required to complete the construction by the end of 2028. However, as the Astana current production facilities have reached full capacity, implementing this project is also a strategic priority for Stadler Kazakhstan and the company is aiming to complete it sooner.
Once the new facility is open, additional time and investment will be needed to optimize production processes and ensure the required quality standards are consistently met. Therefore, the start date of production will be announced at a later stage.
The situation with the CHARME ooaches describe Stadler as follows: „The delivery of the 557 coaches ordered by KTZ is progressing well. By the end of 2025, all coach types had received certificates confirming compliance with the requirements of TR TS 001/2011. Between September 2025 and May 2026, the new rolling stock successfully underwent both the scheduled tests required under the certification programme and additional tests requested by KTZ. The first CHARME coaches, produced in Astana by Stadler Kazakhstan, were accepted by KTZ in summer 2026.
The date on which the new coaches will enter commercial service will be announced by KTZ at a later stage. The initial contract with the client covers both the production and service of the rolling stock. The service branch in Astana was opened earlier this year and now employs 70 people.“
