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Polish Rail Manufacturers Strengthen European Market Position

Polish Rail Manufacturers Strengthen European Market Position

From Rzeczpospolita · (2h ago) Polish Positive tone

Translated from Polish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • Polish train manufacturer Pesa Bydgoszcz is in talks to acquire German tram maker Heiterblick.
  • Pesa has seen significant export success, delivering trains to Ghana, Czech Republic, and Romania, and is developing hydrogen-powered locomotives.
  • Newag, another Polish company, is finalizing multi-system electric locomotives and hybrid passenger trains, with both firms benefiting from advanced components like silicon carbide from Medcom.

Polish railway manufacturers are solidifying their presence in the European market, showcasing robust growth and technological innovation. Pesa Bydgoszcz, a prominent player, is poised to expand its European footprint through a potential acquisition of the German tram manufacturer Heiterblick. This move, if finalized, would significantly bolster Pesa's position in the competitive European rail sector, building on its recent successes in delivering trams to cities like Tallinn, Sofia, and Craiova.

Pesa's export division is experiencing a boom, with substantial orders including 12 trains for Ghana, over 100 for Czech Railways, and 62 regional trains for Romanian Railways. The company is also at the forefront of developing sustainable transport solutions, with plans to potentially sell hydrogen-powered shunting locomotives in Sweden and a prototype regional hydrogen train by the end of June. This innovative train, based on the Elf 3.0 platform, will feature a triple power system (electric, hydrogen, and battery), enabling seamless operation on both electrified and non-electrified routes.

Meanwhile, fellow Polish manufacturer Newag is finalizing work on multi-system electric locomotives, essential for the upcoming high-speed rail lines in Poland and for international passenger and freight transport. Newag is also developing hybrid passenger trains, further diversifying its portfolio. The synergy between these Polish companies is evident, with key suppliers like Medcom playing a crucial role. Medcom's advanced silicon carbide-based power electronics are enabling significant energy savings in trains, benefiting both Pesa and Newag, as well as their international competitors.

Medcom's strategic investments in increasing production capacity and component stocks, alongside a 12% rise in employment, signal a strong outlook for the Polish rail industry. With a stable order portfolio extending to 2030 and strategic planning up to 2040, Polish manufacturers are demonstrating resilience and a forward-looking approach, driven by innovation and a commitment to sustainable transportation solutions. This domestic strength positions Poland as a significant force in the global railway market.

Current order portfolio guarantees stable development for the company until 2030 and allows for planning activities over the next decade, until 2040. To meet market expectations, Medcom increased employment by 12% and production capacities and component stocks in the second half of last year. Similar investments will continue in 2026.

— Paweł ChoduńVice President of Medcom, discussing the company's growth and investment plans to meet market demand in the railway sector.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Rzeczpospolita in Polish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.