Rail technology leader Bombardier Transportation inaugurated its new South African production site and headquarters at an event held in Isando, Johannesburg recently. The opening ceremony was attended by Transnet Group Chief Executive Officer Siyabonga Gama, distinguished guests, partners and Bombardier suppliers.

In 2014, South African state-owned freight and logistics company Transnet awarded Bombardier a contract for the supply of electric locomotives as part of a 50 billion ZAR contract. The majority of the locomotives are being built at Transnet Engineering's plants in Koedoespoort, Pretoria and Edwin Swales in Durban. All bidders committed to stringent localization requirements, including technology transfer, supplier development and job creation.

Commenting on the milestone, Transnet Group Chief Executive, Siyabonga Gama said, "Bombardier's production facility was an integral step in driving localisation, transformation and economic empowerment. The successful partnership with Bombardier serves a crucial purpose in enhancing and embedding our Market Demand Strategy - and the role Transnet plays in growing our economy."

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