Wärtsilä TMH Diesel Engine Company LLC, a joint venture owned 50/50 by Wärtsilä and Transmashholding (TMH), is ready to start construction of a modern factory located in Penza, Russia. The new plant, which is expected to be ready to start production in summer 2013, will provide world-class assembly and manufacturing facilities. The joint venture is strategically important for Wärtsilä since it broadens the company’s business activities into the rail market, while giving Wärtsilä a stronger industrial foothold in Russia.
Wärtsilä and Transmashholding signed the joint venture agreement in May 2010. The intention is to manufacture modern and multi-purpose diesel engines, including a technically advanced version of the Wärtsilä 20 engine, in Russia. The engines will be used in shunter locomotives, as well as for various marine and land-based power applications, and are intended primarily for the Russian market. There are also export possibilities outside Russia, including to Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) countries.
The first shunting locomotive already developed by Wärtsilä and TMH for Russian Railways, one of the largest rail transport companies in the world, will be powered by a Wärtsilä 20LA engine to be produced by the joint venture. After one year of different types of testing, a Certificate of Conformance has been issued by Federal Agency for Railway Transport under the supervision of Russian Railways and Bryansk Engineering Plant, a part of TMH. The certificate gives the right to operate this particular locomotive configuration on the state railway system. The engine is about to undergo a 250 day field test programme, which will include operating in winter conditions of up to minus 40 degrees C in Siberia.
“These new facilities will expand our diesel engine production capacity in Russia and increase our competitiveness throughout the region. With this state-of-the-art plant, we can develop and produce high quality engines that meet the specific requirements of our customers across Russia, and provide them with locally produced and serviced power solutions,” says Lars Hellberg, Group Vice President, Wärtsilä Industrial Operations.
The construction work on the 10,000 m2 factory will commence after finalized permission procedures. The factory will be located within the premises of Penzadieselmash, a TMH company. Annual production is expected to be 250 to 300 engines, and the plant will eventually employ some 300 people. Wärtsilä has a 30 year history in Russia, and this latest development represents a notable milestone in its expansion strategy in that market.
Wärtsilä company announcement 27 May 2010: Wärtsilä enters rail market through joint venture with Transmashholding in Russia
Image of Wärtsilä 20 engine
For further information please contact:
Mr Dmitry Firsov
Managing Director
Wärtsilä Vostok
Tel: +7 812 4483248
dmitry.firsov@wartsila.com
Mr Atte Palomäki
Group Vice President, Communications & Branding
Wärtsilä Corporation
Tel: +358 40 5476390
atte.palomaki@wartsila.com
Wärtsilä in brief:
Wärtsilä is a global leader in complete lifecycle power solutions for the marine and energy markets. By emphasising technological innovation and total efficiency, Wärtsilä maximises the environmental and economic performance of the vessels and power plants of its customers.
In 2011, Wärtsilä’s net sales totalled EUR 4.2 billion with approximately 18,000 employees. The company has operations in nearly 170 locations in 70 countries around the world. Wärtsilä is listed on the NASDAQ OMX Helsinki, Finland. www.wartsila.com
About Transmashholding
Transmashholding is Russia’s leading rolling stock manufacturer. Its products also include marine engines and small modular power plants. In 2011, net sales were EUR 2.6 billion. Transmashholding has its headquarters in Moscow and is a privately owned company whose major shareholders include Russian Railways & Alstom. www.tmholding.ru
