RAIL.ONE wins major order from Saudi Arabia

The new contract includes the option of increasing the quantity by a further 250,000 sleepers, and represents a significant success for RAIL.ONE Group’s concrete-sleeper technology in the Near East.

The North-South Line project is a key undertaking of the Saudi Arabian government. Its objective is the construction of a 2,400-km connection between the mining regions in the north-west of the country and Dammam. Implementation of additional railway projects – e.g., the Saudi Landbridge Project and the rail line between Mecca and Medina – will create a highly advanced rail network for freight and passenger traffic.

The line is single-track for most of the stretch, and the sleeper design specifications stipulate an axle load of 32.5 metric tonnes. By way of comparison, the maximum axle load in Germany is 25 tonnes. The RAIL.ONE Type AR 06 heavy-haul sleeper meets these strict demands because of its massive concrete body, and because the sleepers are  prestressed more than the standard European sleepers. In addition, production processes and concrete mix formulation have been adapted to local conditions.

The sleepers will be manufactured in Hail, approx. 700 km north of Riyadh, under management of the newly founded subsidiary RAIL.ONE Saudi Arabia L.L.C. After completion of the existing supply contracts, production of concrete sleepers for the Saudi construction company Al Ayuni will begin in October 2010. For Ralf Sobottka, President and CEO of RAIL.ONE GmbH, this contract is a significant step toward further internationalization of the company:

“Foreign business – especially involving countries of the MENA Region and the Emirates on the Arabian Gulf – represents for us, as sleeper manufacturers and systems provider, exceptionally exciting markets – which will demonstrate appreciable growth potential over the coming years. Thanks to our unique product portfolio, our proven expertise, and our broad positioning, we are well equipped to handle the effects of the still continuing economic crisis.”