Swtichers, called “shunters” internationally, are used in rail yards to assemble trains and make short hauls. The first two switchers are expected to be delivered in 2019, with the remainder to be delivered over the next 10 years.
“We have a long history of successful, effective cooperation with GE Transportation, and we see great potential to further develop our strategic partnership,” says Kanat Alpysbayev, KTZ’s chairman. “We selected GE technology to be the primary driver for developing Kazakhstan’s rail industry, and together we’ve introduced joint projects to modernize and service the legacy diesel-electric fleet, as well as produce new freight and passenger Evolution Series locomotives in Astana.”
“The agreements, signed during President Nazarbayev’s visit to the United States, are aimed at further modernizing our rail fleet and will expand the range of locomotives made in Kazakhstan to better meet the needs of the domestic market, as well as countries in the broader CIS and Baltic region,” Alpysbayev added. “In addition, we are currently working on a number of projects under our Digital Railway Program, including deploying GE’s Trip Optimizer to improve the efficiency of freight transportation.”
The agreements are the latest in a long history of collaboration between GE Transportation and KTZ, which includes: the delivery of more than 400 modernization kits in 1995 that extended the revenue-generating life of KTZ’s existing fleet by up to 20 years; the construction of the Evolution Locomotive Assembly plant in Astana in 2006, where more than 300 freight locomotives and eight passenger locomotives have been built to-date; and long-term service deals in 2009 and 2011 for the modernized and Evolution fleets.
“Our mission is to build economies through innovation and modernization. Since its independence in the early 90s, Kazakhstan has demonstrated great economic progress, and GE Transportation is proud to have been a part of the country’s transformation journey from the start,” says Rafael Santana, GE Transportation CEO. “Our new agreements with KTZ reflect our ongoing commitment to partner with Kazakhstan to build a world-class rail industry that serves the region and beyond.”
— A GE Transportation news release. Jan. 18, 2018.
As Kazakhstan signed two contracts with GE worth at least 900 million when those believe the units would be built at the Dallas/forth worth plant when GE announced all production would be ending at Erie and transferred to Dallas/forth worth including export units. The other contract is for the maintenance and repair of at least 170 evolution series locomotives to be spread out for at least two decades.
Two “shunters” for 2019? I doubt that will cover the cost of the PR release. Now they will build in India the Ukraine and Kazackwhatever….WOW. Since genius Jack Welch gave China the technical expertise to enter their market who needs them. No one. Sorry farewell to the senior member of the Dow Jones index .
Phillip you have to reread the article, they will be built in Astana…. Erie may fabricate some Part Assembly Kits or handle installation consultation, but the assembly will take place abroad.
“as well as produce new freight and passenger Evolution Series locomotives in Astana” / “the construction of the Evolution Locomotive Assembly plant in Astana in 2006, where more than 300 freight locomotives and eight passenger locomotives have been built to-date”
http://www.yourerie.com/news/local-news/ge-says-their-900-million-deal-with-kazakhstan-is-still-good-news-for-the-erie-plant/921799240
But-but-but isn’t GE getting of of the locomotive business, and closing down most of the Erie, PA complex? Seems to me this could keep Erie, PA going for a few more years.
You mean that small case of the $8.5 Billion in state funds found in a Swiss account in his name? Or how about the $1 Billion of state oil funds siphoned off into some other Swiss accounts, yet again in his name.
One might “follow the money” in the case of Nazarbayev’s government dealings.
Wonder if Kazakhstan rail hauls more freight than CSX.