The agreement includes a joint bid for Poland’s future high-speed train fleet and plans to establish advanced rail manufacturing capabilities in Bydgoszcz.
Hitachi Rail and PESA Bydgoszcz have signed a strategic cooperation agreement aimed at strengthening Poland’s railway industry through high-speed rail development, technology transfer and expanded manufacturing capabilities.
The agreement brings together Poland’s largest rolling stock manufacturer and one of the global rail sector’s leading technology companies. It covers cooperation in the development and production of very high-speed rolling stock, a joint offering for double-decker trains and the transfer of advanced railway technologies to Poland.
The partnership represents a significant step forward for the Polish rail sector and is expected to strengthen domestic expertise in areas where experience has previously been limited. It also marks a new stage in PESA’s development following its stabilisation and growth under the ownership of the Polish Development Fund.
Hitachi Rail and PESA target high-speed rail opportunities
One of the most important elements of the agreement is the companies’ planned joint participation in a major PKP Intercity tender for very high-speed trains.
The procurement covers 20 electric multiple units capable of operating at speeds of at least 320 km/h, with an option for a further 35 trains and a long-term maintenance agreement extending for 30 years.
Under the proposed arrangement, the first 20 trains would be manufactured at Hitachi Rail facilities in Italy. A second phase would gradually increase PESA’s involvement in production, leading to partial localisation of future manufacturing activities in Poland. PESA would also be responsible for maintenance activities within the country.
The partners intend to offer Hitachi Rail’s ETR1000 platform, one of Europe’s most successful high-speed train designs. The train has been operating on major European high-speed networks for more than a decade and is approved for operation in countries including Germany, Austria, France and Italy.
The ETR1000 features advanced aerodynamic design, energy-efficient technology, onboard connectivity, accessibility features, air conditioning, passenger information systems and flexible interior layouts tailored to operator requirements.
Technology transfer to create new manufacturing capabilities
A second major component of the partnership focuses on technology transfer and industrial development.
The agreement includes plans to transfer expertise in aluminium train body construction and double-deck train manufacturing. As part of the programme, new production facilities are expected to be developed in Bydgoszcz, creating a local centre of excellence for advanced rail manufacturing technologies.
The investment is intended to support future projects both within Poland and across Central and Eastern Europe.
PESA CEO Krzysztof Zdziarski said: “Our collaboration with Hitachi Rail, a global pioneer in high-speed rail and a leader in innovative railway technologies, marks a historic moment for us.”
He added: “Thanks to the technology transfer and the establishment of a centre of excellence for aluminium structures in Bydgoszcz, PESA is joining the European league of manufacturers of the fastest trains.”
Stefano Santinelli, Senior Vice President and Chief Government, Public Affairs and Communications Officer at Hitachi Rail, said: “Partnering with PESA represents a key milestone in expanding our international footprint and advancing innovative rail solutions across Europe.”
Long-term investment in Poland’s railway sector
Hitachi Rail’s Polish CEO Paweł Przyżycki described the agreement as an important element of the company’s long-term growth strategy in the country.
He said: “Our aim is a long-term, comprehensive commitment to building a modern, reliable and sustainable railway in Poland based on proven, innovative solutions.”
The partnership has also been welcomed by the Polish Development Fund, which views the agreement as an opportunity to strengthen Poland’s position within European railway supply chains while accelerating technology transfer and industrial development.
By combining Hitachi Rail’s global expertise with PESA’s manufacturing capabilities, the partners aim to support the development of high-speed rail, expand local industrial capacity and create new opportunities for the wider Polish railway industry.
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