Downer EDI’s $900 million train order

Rolling stock manufacturer Downer EDI (ASX: DOW) has won a $900 million contract to construct an additional 17 Waratah Series 2 trains as part of the Sydney Growth Trains contract.

The double decker suburban trains, manufactured jointly by Downer and China’s CRRC Changchun, adds to orders for 102 trains, the largest single order of rolling stock in Australia’s history.

Ninety have already entered service.

The Waratah contract has been criticised for its high level of Chinese content, with the NSW government ignoring calls for a 75 per cent local build level.

The cars of the Waratah train are built in China by Changchun, while the driver’s and guard’s cabins are manufactured at Cardiff in Newcastle by Downer.

The CEO of Downer, Grant Fenn, said he was delighted to build further on the proven success of the Waratah trains.

“The Waratahs are exceptionally reliable and very popular with commuters and train drivers.

“We look forward to working closely with Transport for NSW to provide more outstanding trains for the Sydney network.”

The new trains feature:

# double deck carriages

# air-conditioning with temperature control

# high definition customer information screens

# internal and external CCTV and customer help points; and
priority seating, wheelchair spaces and hearing aid loops

Through-life-support for the trains is managed by Downer at the purpose-built Auburn Maintenance Centre under an availability regime.

Picture: Downer EDI/Waratah

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