Corus to supply TGV Est project in France

13 Jul 2005

Corus will supply all of the rail for the first phase of the prestigious TGV Est project in France.  The first phase of the programme, which commenced in spring 2002, is placing heavy demands on civil engineers and railway infrastructure suppliers who are working to tight schedules to ensure the network opens in 2007.  The customer, SNCF requires more than 86.000 tonnes of rail with strict requirements for ‘just in time’ (JIT) delivery and an exacting technical specification.

Corus is meeting these challenges by leveraging its considerable experience in high-speed rail production and capitalising on recent investment in production and testing technology.  The rail which will be supplied from Corus’ Hayange plant will be manufactured in 80 metre lengths and transported to SNCF’s welding plant at Saulon near Dijon, where they will be welded into 400 metre lengths.  These will then be transported direct to the working site on specially adapted rail vehicles.

Corus expects to deliver all of the rail for phase one of this project by March 2006. 

Corus – Rail Sector, interim Managing Director Gérard Glas adds

“It is unclear when phase 2 will start – there are currently talks over the finance arrangements.  But I think the completion and opening of phase 1 will encourage everyone to move on with the project and open up the link with the east of the country and the rest of Europe.  Winning Phase 2 will of course be a competitive process but I am confident that our performance on phase 1 will stand Corus in good stead for again playing a key role in the further development of high speed rail travel in Europe.”

Ends

For more information on this project read the related editorial document.