New orders from train industry are on track
The railway sector has been an interesting market with a lot of potential for the Salzburger Aluminium Group for already many years. Recently, the rail vehicle market recorded annual growth of around three percent worldwide. This is based on transport and environmental policy measures that are at the top of the agenda in many countries.
SAG has positioned itself for further expansion in the railway sector: the production of window systems made of aluminium frames, glass and seals, where the company’s expertise in bending, welding, coating and bonding is in demand, remains the focus of SAG’s subsidiary Alutech Slovakia.
In addition, the company’s strategy is to increasingly apply its know-how from the automotive sector in the field of pressure, water and oil tanks to the railway industry. Alternative drive systems, which will gradually replace diesel locomotives, also offer attractive market potential: SAG plans to further expand its expertise in the field of high-pressure hydrogen tanks.
A specific feature of the railway industry also gives SAG a clear competitive advantage as a Tier 1 supplier: the development costs for products for the railway industry are extremely high. This is due, among other things, to the special technical parameters and the relatively small number of units required. The financial expenditure for development is therefore only in an economically sensible relation if it can be divided among several customers – via a system supplier like SAG. As a system supplier with specific know-how, SAG is a development partner of many OEMs, with whom the company has a long-standing, close partnership.
All this strengthens SAG’s long-standing position as an important supplier on the international railway market and secures the extremely attractive aftermarket business over a long period of time.
A market with a lot of potential, which SAG can and will optimally exploit with its know-how.