OVER THE NEXT five years T’Trans estimates that the refurbishment market for passenger and freight rolling stock in Brazil may be worth up to US$3bn. This explains why the company is investing R$10m in a factory formerly owned by Federal Railways of Brazil in Tres Rios, converting it into a modern plant able to refurbish trains on a production line basis.
T’Trans previously operated the former Santa Matilde factory in Tres Rios, which is to be transferred to Alstom Transporte under a memorandum of understanding signed on April 3.
T’Trans inaugurated its new 60000m2 plant in April at a ceremony attended by President Massimo Giavina, Mayor of Tres Rios Celso Jacob and Rio de Janeiro state governor Anthony Garothino.
On the order book are 100 coaches being refurbished for Metrorec in Recife and 48 cars for Flumitrens suburban services in Rio de Janeiro. Future orders could include a contract worth up to US$160m for 80 new metro cars for Rio de Janeiro, for which T’Trans has submitted a joint bid with Bombardier.
CAPTION: Rio de Janeiro state governor Anthony Garothino inspects a Series 400 EMU during the opening ceremonies at the Tres Rios plant
CAPTION: Above: Before and after. A refurbished EMU awaits dispatch to the customer alongside a vehicle awaiting treatment
Left: The smart interior of a finished car
