ROLLING TECHNOLOGY FORWARD Gredelj is a European railway rolling-stock manufacturer, which due to its continuous investment programme has evolved to become a major player in the rail vehicle construction industry. Philip Yorke looks at its remarkable progress and the innovative products that are winning it new contracts worldwide.
T
he railway rolling-stock company TZV Gredelj was founded in 1894 as the main workshop of the Hungarian State Railways for the repair and overhaul of its steam locomotives. Throughout its 120 years of operation the company has led the field in the design and manufacture of railway vehicles, as well as in their repair and modernisation. Despite some recent financial difficulties, the company is very positive about its future prospects and is running its business under new organisational systems and management protocols. Since moving into its new state-of-the-art facilities in 2010, Gredelj has created one
of the most modern plants in Europe and houses the latest, high-tech, robotic and quality control equipment. This major investment has enabled Gredelj to expand its operations further in the international marketplace. Today the company is fully certified to ISO9001 and ISO14001 and currently employs more than 1000 people, of which over 200 are highly qualified engineers.
New technology driving sales With its new cutting-edge manufacturing facilities now fully operational, Gredelj is well placed to move forward with its plans for global expansion. The company’s priorities are
to enter new markets and develop its partnerships with its customers and local companies, as well as optimising the utilisation of its modern production facilities. Together with its strategic American partner, the National Railway Equipment Company (NREC), Gredelj will focus on its export activities that relate not only to the design and production of all types of railway vehicles but also their reconstruction and refurbishment. Currently TZV Gredelj manufactures a wide range of locomotives, passenger coaches and freight cars, interior parts, namely seats for railway vehicles, as well as electric and diesel multiple units. In addi-
