Ostrava, 28 January 2016 - ArcelorMittal Ostrava, the largest production factory in the Czech Republic with 190 km of railway is changing their locomotive pool. Through 20 of CZ LOKO´s 741.7 series locomotives, the company expects higher safety for crews, decreased noise and NOx emissions, and increased operation efficiency. The first locomotive was launched on 28 January 2016 with both parties present.
“In addition to more efficient operation, other advantages of the new locomotive are higher comfort and safety for the engine drivers and shunters. The tall driver´s cab with low hoods guarantees a wide view. The automatic coupler minimalises risk when coupling wagons. The LED lights improve the train´s visibility,” said Otto Mischinger, the Transport Director of ArcelorMittal Ostrava.
20 new locomotives are to replace 28 existing locomotives from the 70´s and 80´s of the last century, during the course of this year. An average of 1.7 million tonnes of material is hauled every month. The 741.7 series locomotives are customised for operation on the steelworks´ sidings. Their main role is to support iron and steel production, to transport material among the individual production sites and finished product expedition.
“We value CZ LOKO and ArcelorMittal Ostrava´s 20 year relationship very much. The replacement of the existing locomotive pool made up of five various classes, with locomotives of one class will not only bring substantial cost savings due to one third less locomotives, but also a more effective maintenance system. This solution for the difficult operation on steelworks sidings is one which deserves replication,” said Josef Gulyás, CZ LOKO Sales Director.
ArcelorMittal Ostrava, a.s., is part of the largest steel and mining group in the world, ArcelorMittal. It has an annual production of 2 million tonnes of steel, which is mainly utilised in construction and machinery. It is the largest producer of traffic barriers in the Czech Republic and one of nine producers of grain-oriented electrical steel in the world. It exports to over forty countries as well as supplying domestically. ArcelorMittal Ostrava and its subsidiaries employ a total of 7 250 people. The company makes raw steel and iron products with minimal effects to the environment due to its above standard green program which was concluded in 2015. ArcelorMittal Holdings A.G. is the only shareholder.