Wabtec Commences First Export Locomotive Delivery from Marhowra Facility

Wabtec Corporation announced the start of its first locomotive export delivery from its Marhowra facility in Bihar.

The Marhowra plant is supplying Evolution Series ES43ACi locomotives to Guinea. They are part of a 2024 order from Rio Tinto SimFer, a joint venture among the Government of the Republic of Guinea, Rio Tinto, and Chalco Iron Ore Holdings. Wabtec’s ES43ACi locomotives are equipped with 4,500HP Evolution Series diesel engines, designed and manufactured in the United States. The locomotives provide best-in-class fuel efficiency, and proven performance in high-temperature environments. The locomotives will support TransGuinéen Railway operations for the Simandou high-grade iron ore project, located in the Southeast of Guinea and is Africa’s largest mining and infrastructure development project.

The Marhowra plant is a state-of-art manufacturing facility that started operations in 2018. It leverages global lean manufacturing processes and has ramped up its capacity to deliver 170 locomotives per year, which includes 100 locomotives to Indian Railways. The plant also set a new benchmark in having a diverse and talented workforce from Bihar and Jharkhand.

Additionally, Wabtec’s outreach programs in and around the Marhowra factory have provided vocational training and educational equity enabling community development in the region. The programs have prepared and supported over 600 female entrepreneurs. It also trained engineers from the local polytechnic with smart welding skills needed to secure employment.