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Thursday, March 14, 2024

Train maker Stadler Minsk opens Belarus plant

A new Stadler Minsk plant opened in Fanipol, Belarus, Thursday with the help of a $32 million loan from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD).

The plant manufactures locomotives and other mass-transit vehicles. The opening of the plant marks an important step forward for both Belarus and the Swiss railway company, which has been involved in Belarus since 2007 with its public-private partnership with the Minsk Region Executive Committee.

Stadler trains are considered to be high-quality and are sought out by multiple countries and rail lines, including Russia's Aeroexpress, which has ordered up to 172 double-decker locomotives. These trains can carry up to 50 percent more cargo or passengers. The company's first shipment arrived in Moscow this past week.

The bank said the quality of Swiss products merged with Belarus industriousness is producing impressive outcomes that improve the  travel experience for passengers.

During a recent visit to Switzerland, EBRD President Sir Suma Chakrabarti said supporting the private sector is vitally important.