09/15/2022

Framework agreement for preventive rail maintenance with Deutsche Bahn significantly extended

  • DB Netz AG orders high-speed grinding of at least 12,000 km in 2023
  • Extension of the existing framework agreement in connection with integrated and digital measurement and analysis technology
  • Focus on Deutsche Bahn's high-performance network

Vossloh, a long-established and world-leading supplier of rail infrastructure products and services, and DB Netz AG, the railway infrastructure manager of Deutsche Bahn AG, have significantly extended their existing framework agreement for preventive rail maintenance. The contract now covers a volume of at least 12,000 km in the coming year. On behalf of DB Netz AG, Vossloh will in particular maintain the highly utilized lines of the German rail network, the so-called high-performance network, using HSG (high-speed-grinding) technology. In addition, a digital component has been added to the contract. A smart HSG train equipped with extensive measurement and analysis technology will be used to record important track condition data during operation.

HSG technology is used for preventive maintenance of the rail network. Based on a unique grinding process worldwide, Vossloh's maintenance machines can be operated at speeds of up to 80 km/h on mainline lines and up to 60 km/h on urban transport lines. They are equipped with state-of-the-art sensor technology, some of which was developed in-house, and can simultaneously record condition data of the rail track during grinding without the need for track closures. The condition data is collected in real time, evaluated by means of algorithms and can be visualized in a web-based application including concrete recommendations for action. The grinding program can be individually adapted to the respective track condition. Regular use of the smart HSG machines thus not only effectively prevents rail defects and significantly extends rail service life, but also forms the basis for predictive maintenance of the rail track as the data history grows.

"Greater availability of tracks is a key prerequisite for shifting more traffic to rail. In view of the increasing utilization of networks, preventive and, in perspective, predictive maintenance technologies are gaining massive importance," comments Oliver Schuster, CEO of Vossloh AG, on the signing of the contract and adds: "With our leading track expertise and comprehensive service portfolio, we are able to offer our customers tailored and unique solutions for increasing track availability. We are very pleased about the trust placed in us by Deutsche Bahn, which is underlining its 'Strong Rail' strategy with this order. We are proud that we are once again making a significant contribution to an efficient, reliable rail network and thus enabling more sustainable mobility in Germany."

Dr. Volker Hentschel, Member of the Management Board of DB Netz AG responsible for Asset and Maintenance Management, emphasizes the role of preventive rail maintenance as follows: "With this consistent use of HSG technology, DB Netz AG is underlining its claim to meet the increasing loads on the network with innovative solutions. On our high-performance network, the traffic friendly rail maintenance provided by HSG will make a valuable contribution to greater reliability and growth."

Deutsche Bahn recently announced the strengthening of the high-performance network by 2030. The current highly utilized route connections comprise a total of 3,500 route kilometers and are the focus of the framework agreement described above. Deutsche Bahn expects the highly loaded network to grow to over 9,000 route kilometers by the end of 2030.

Werdohl, September 15, 2022

Contact information for the media:
Andreas Friedemann (Kirchhoff Consult AG)
Phone: +49 (0) 2392 52-608
Email: presse@vossloh.com

Contact information for investors:
Dr. Daniel Gavranovic
Phone: +49 (0) 2392 52-609
Email: investor.relations@vossloh.com

Vossloh is a global technology group that has stood for quality, safety, customer orientation, reliability and innovative strength for over 135 years. With its comprehensive range of rail-related products and services, Vossloh is one of the world market leaders in this sector. Vossloh offers a uniquely broad range of services under one roof: Rail fastening systems, concrete sleepers, switch systems and crossings as well as innovative and increasingly digital-based services for the entire life cycle of rails and switches. Vossloh uses its systemic understanding of the track to address the central customer need of "availability of the rail track".
Vossloh products and Services are used in more than 100 countries. With some 80 group companies in around 30 countries and over 35 production locations, Vossloh is active on the ground worldwide. Vossloh is committed to sustainable corporate governance and climate protection and with its products and services makes an important contribution to the sustainable mobility of people and goods.
The Group's activities are divided into three divisions: Core Components, Customized Modules and Lifecycle Solutions. In fiscal 2021, Vossloh generated sales of €942.8 million with around 3,600 employees.