43 trains for the Brussels Metro
When project manager Josu Manzano, found out in August 2016 that CAF (Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles) had been awarded the contract to supply 43 trains to the STIB (Société des Transports Intercommunaux de Bruxelles) for the Brussels Metro, he broke into a smile.
In 2004, CAF had already been selected by STIB to supply 15 metro units, a project that was subsequently extended in 2009 with the supply of 6 additional units.
This time they will be “latest generation” trains with “the most advanced technology” in vehicles of this kind. The first units are expected to be delivered in 2019.
For GEMINYS, these projects are synonymous with growth, since the first one was a challenge and given the high demands of this client, the second one will also be a challenge that will enable us to improve our technical documentation (driving, maintenance, catalogue…).
For the first project, GEMINYS also participated in managing the additional supplier documentation. This documentation entailed mechanical plans, electricity layouts, information on electronic cards, software for each of the systems mounted on the train. This experience was subsequently useful in other projects to lead the rounding up of all information necessary on a piece of equipment before its submission to the notary public.
The second project is set to commence soon. This will bring new opportunities to continue learning: working with a document management platform, applying standards such as EN 15380 (Rail applications. System for designating rolling stock.), list of special tools, consumables, spare parts…, full “technical dossier” setting out information on all the elements comprising the vehicle (plans, layouts, electronic module documentation, software, technical data sheet, safety data sheet, etc.).
Without a doubt, 2018 will see Josu and GEMINYS make further progress on the continuous improvement of offering new client solutions both in the rail and machine tool sectors, and in the Brussels metro project will be key in all of this.