Swiss Federal Railway invests CHF 460 million in new Ticino plant

SBB Swiss Federal Railway has granted a loan for a new plant in Ticino and presented its business plan. The investment for the maintenance plant in Arbedo-Castione will total 580 million francs. The canton of Ticino will be contributing 100 million francs, while the city of Bellinzona will inject 20 million francs. The remaining 460 million francs will come from SBB.

According to an SBB press release, the new plant will create around 360 jobs, based on the order volume expected as of 2027. Furthermore, around 80 apprentices engaged with Login, the partner for transport careers, will be integrated. They will reportedly handle light and heavy maintenance, including the processing of components. The main focus will be shifting from mechanical to electromechanical work. In this context, SBB speaks of a “leap in digitization”.

This new plant will help further reduce the number of vehicles that are out of operation for maintenance. A modern transport system called Mover will also be employed, making the work of staff easier. The plant will be powered by a photovoltaic system on the roof of the building and not use any fossil fuels.