Alstom

Alstom SA is a renowned French multinational company that excels in providing comprehensive solutions for the rail transport industry worldwide. With a strong presence in Europe, the Americas, Asia and Pacific, the Middle East, and Africa, Alstom is recognized for its expertise in manufacturing rolling stock, signaling systems, and locomotives, as well as offering various services to support rail infrastructure.

The company has a rich history that dates back to 1928 when it was formed through the merger of the electric engineering division of Société Alsacienne de Constructions Mécaniques (Als) and Compagnie Française Thomson-Houston (thom). Over the years, Alstom expanded its operations through strategic acquisitions, including Constructions Électriques de France in 1932, shipbuilder Chantiers de l'Atlantique in 1976, and parts of ACEC in the late 1980s.

In 1989, Alstom merged with select divisions of the British General Electric Company, forming GEC Alsthom. Throughout the 1990s, the company continued to grow its presence in the rail sector through acquisitions of Linke-Hofmann-Busch, a German rolling stock manufacturer, and Sasib Railways, an Italian rail signalling specialist. In 1998, Alstom went public and was listed on the Paris Stock Exchange, rebranding itself as Alstom and focusing on railway rolling stock, power generation equipment, and ships.

However, Alstom faced financial challenges in the early 2000s, necessitating a €3.2 billion bailout from the French government. To comply with European Union regulations on state aid, the company had to divest several divisions, including shipbuilding and electrical transmission. Despite these challenges, Alstom continued to innovate and deliver cutting-edge solutions for the rail industry.

In 2014, General Electric (GE) announced its intention to acquire Alstom's power and grid divisions for US$17 billion (€12.4 billion). This acquisition faced scrutiny from French regulators, who recognized the strategic importance of the domestic rail industry. To address concerns, GE agreed to establish joint ventures with French companies in power generation and transmission, while Alstom sold its rail signaling business. The deal was finalized in November 2015, leading Alstom to refocus solely on the rail sector.

In its quest for further growth in the rail business, Alstom announced a proposed merger with Siemens Mobility in late 2017. However, the European Commission prohibited the merger in February 2019 due to antitrust concerns. Subsequently, in February 2020, Alstom signed a letter of agreement to acquire the transportation division of Bombardier Inc., a financially struggling company. The acquisition was successfully completed in January 2021, solidifying Alstom's position as a global leader in the rail industry.

Alstom's extensive portfolio encompasses a wide range of solutions and services. The company offers rolling stock solutions for people movers, monorails, light rails, metros, commuter trains, regional and intercity trains, high-speed trains, and locomotives. Additionally, Alstom provides signalling products for urban, mainline, freight, and mining applications. They excel in delivering tram, metro, and mainline systems, as well as tracklaying and track solutions, electrification solutions, and electromechanical equipment. Alstom also offers comprehensive maintenance, modernization, and support services.

With a commitment to innovation and sustainability, Alstom continues to shape the future of rail transport, driving advancements in technology, efficiency, and passenger experience. The company's dedication to excellence has solidified its position as a trusted partner for rail operators worldwide.

Alsthom, now known as Alstom, has a rich history dating back to its foundation in 1928. It was formed through the merger of the French heavy engineering interests of Thomson-Houston Electric Company and Société Alsacienne de Constructions Mécaniques. The company's first factory was established in Belfort, France. Alsthom initially focused on heavy engineering and later expanded into transportation by acquiring Constructions Electriques de France, Tarbes, a manufacturer of electric locomotives and electrical and hydraulic equipment.

In 1969, Compagnie Générale d'Electricité became the majority shareholder of Alsthom, and in 1976, Alsthom merged with Chantiers de l'Atlantique, expanding its business into the marine industry. Alsthom made significant advancements in power generation, including setting a world record in 1977 by constructing the first 1300 MW generator set for the Paluel Nuclear Power Plant.

Alsthom delivered its first TGV (Train à Grande Vitesse) to SNCF in 1978, marking a breakthrough in high-speed rail transportation. The TGV went on to break multiple world rail speed records and set the world endurance record for high-speed train lines in 2001. Alsthom also achieved notable milestones in other areas, such as manufacturing the largest gas turbine in the world in 1986.

In the late 1980s, Alsthom underwent further expansion through acquisitions. It acquired ACEC Energie and ACEC Automatisme from the dissolution of the Belgian electrical engineering company ACEC, along with Italian rail signalling subsidiary Sasib Railways.

In 1989, Alsthom merged with the Power Systems Division of the British General Electric Company, forming GEC Alsthom. This move aimed to enhance Alsthom's presence in the international market. GEC Alsthom manufactured the British Rail Class 373, a variant of the TGV specifically designed for the Channel Tunnel. The company continued to grow through acquisitions, including Linke-Hofmann-Busch and MAN Energie.

However, in the early 2000s, Alstom faced financial difficulties due to poor sales and a significant debt burden. A design flaw in a turbine developed by ABB Group, which Alstom acquired in 2000, added to the company's debt crisis. To address these challenges, Alstom underwent a restructuring process, including the sale of several subsidiaries and a financial rescue plan involving the French state.

During this period, Alstom attracted acquisition offers from General Electric (GE) and Siemens. Ultimately, GE acquired Alstom's energy division in 2015, while the remaining business focused on rail transport. The acquisition by GE led to the formation of GE Power and allowed Alstom to concentrate on its rail-related activities.

Since then, Alstom has continued to expand its presence in the rail industry, securing contracts for the construction of electric locomotive factories and participating in joint ventures for the development of hydropower equipment. Alstom remains a major player in the global rail transport market, contributing to the advancement of high-speed rail technology and sustainable transportation solutions.

Alstom is a leading company with a mission to reinvent mobility, making it smarter and more sustainable. With a strong emphasis on curiosity, innovation, and collaboration, Alstom seeks to bring together talented individuals who are passionate about transforming the transportation industry.

Alstom's core values centre around building an agile, inclusive, and responsible culture. They value diversity and provide equal opportunities for employees to learn, grow, and advance in their careers, regardless of their background or location. By fostering a culture of curiosity, Alstom encourages its workforce to challenge conventions, explore new ideas, and push the boundaries of what is possible in the realm of mobility.

Sustainability is a fundamental aspect of Alstom's mission. The company is committed to developing and delivering advanced transportation systems that are not only efficient and reliable but also environmentally friendly. From designing energy-efficient trains to implementing intelligent transportation solutions, Alstom aims to reduce emissions, conserve resources, and promote eco-friendly modes of transportation.

Moreover, Alstom offers a rewarding and purposeful journey where employees can make a tangible impact on the future of mobility and contribute to a more sustainable world.

By harnessing the power of innovation, collaboration, and responsible practices, Alstom is dedicated to shaping the mobility industry and enhancing people's lives through transformative transportation solutions.

Alstom envisions leading societies towards a low-carbon future by developing and offering mobility solutions that lay the sustainable foundations for the future of transportation. With a diverse portfolio of products and services, Alstom caters to various transportation needs, ranging from high-speed trains, metros, monorails, and trams to integrated systems, customized services, infrastructure, signaling, and digital mobility solutions.

Alstom's commitment to sustainability is evident in its focus on providing environmentally friendly transportation options. By designing and manufacturing energy-efficient trains and other innovative solutions, Alstom strives to reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainable mobility on a global scale. The company's vision extends beyond individual products to encompass integrated systems and infrastructure that support sustainable transportation networks.

Alstom's dedication to advancing sustainable mobility is further underscored by its extensive commercial presence worldwide. With a remarkable fleet of 150,000 vehicles in service, Alstom's solutions are making a tangible impact on transportation systems across the globe. The acquisition of Bombardier Transportation in January 2021 has further strengthened Alstom's position, resulting in a combined proforma revenue of €14 billion for the 12-month period ending in March 2021.

Headquartered in France, Alstom has established its presence in 70 countries, emphasizing its global reach and influence. With a workforce of over 70,000 individuals, Alstom brings together a diverse and talented team that is united in their shared commitment to shaping the future of transportation.

Alstom offers a comprehensive range of mobility solutions, encompassing various products and services that cater to the diverse needs of the transportation industry. Here is an overview of Alstom's key offerings:

Rolling Stock: Alstom specializes in the design, manufacturing, and maintenance of rolling stock, which includes trains, metros, monorails, and trams. Their rolling stock solutions are known for their reliability, performance, and energy efficiency, enabling sustainable and comfortable transportation experiences.

Signalling: Alstom provides advanced signalling systems that ensure safe and efficient operations across rail networks. Their signalling solutions incorporate state-of-the-art technologies, such as computer-based interlocking systems, train control systems, and automatic train protection systems, enabling optimized train movement and enhanced network capacity.

Turnkey Solutions: Alstom offers turnkey solutions for transportation projects, providing end-to-end services from design and engineering to construction, installation, and commissioning. These solutions cover the entire lifecycle of a project, including project management, systems integration, and coordination of various stakeholders.

Infrastructure: Alstom is involved in the development and construction of transportation infrastructure, including rail tracks, electrification systems, and maintenance facilities. Their infrastructure solutions are designed to support the seamless operation of rolling stock and enable efficient and sustainable transportation networks.

Services: Alstom offers a range of services to support the maintenance, modernization, and optimization of transportation systems. These services include maintenance and repair programs, spare parts management, fleet management, and technical support, ensuring the long-term reliability and availability of rolling stock and infrastructure.

Components: Alstom develops and supplies various components that are integral to the functioning of transportation systems. This includes traction systems, power electronics, bogies, braking systems, and other critical components that contribute to the performance, safety, and energy efficiency of rolling stock.

Digital Mobility: Alstom leverages digital technologies and data analytics to enhance the efficiency, reliability, and passenger experience of transportation systems. Their digital mobility solutions encompass intelligent control systems, predictive maintenance tools, passenger information systems, and smart ticketing solutions, enabling operators to optimize operations and provide seamless and personalized services to passengers.

Through its diverse portfolio of products and services, Alstom aims to provide comprehensive and integrated solutions that address the evolving needs of the transportation industry. By combining innovation, sustainability, and expertise, Alstom strives to shape the future of mobility and contribute to the development of efficient, connected, and environmentally friendly transportation systems.