SBB Cargo has unveiled its newly expanded facility in Chiasso, Switzerland. With an investment of more than CHF 12 million and a construction period of one and a half years, the modernized SBB Cargo workshop in Chiasso represents a major step forward in the maintenance of locomotives and freight cars for both SBB and third-party customers. The expansion of SBB Cargo's maintenance capabilities south of the Alps will play a key role in reducing vehicle downtimes, ensuring efficient maintenance services, and improving rail operations.
Jasmin Bigdon, Member of the Management Board responsible for Asset Management at SBB Cargo, emphasized the significance of this moment. "With the expanded freight wagon hall and the new underfloor lathe, we are strengthening our maintenance services for locomotives and freight wagons in Chiasso. This will enable us to further accelerate maintenance and reduce vehicle downtimes - not only for SBB vehicles but also for maintenance customers who rely on our services along the transit axis."
The new SBB Cargo workshop combines modern design with functionality, incorporating the main features of the old building and interpreting them in a contemporary way. The workshop covers a total area of 2000 square meters and includes an additional fourth track with a reprofiling line. Around 30 people will work at the Chiasso service facility, handling various aspects of maintenance, reconditioning, and administration. One of the outstanding features of the new facility is the underfloor lathe. SBB Cargo has created a "one-stop shop" at a central location for the reconditioning of locomotives, freight wagons, and multiple units. This efficient facility allows faster maintenance and reduced vehicle downtime, benefiting both SBB Cargo's locomotives and those of third parties.
