Škoda Group has acquired Belgian onboard safety software and signalling systems developer The Signalling Company, the Czech rolling stock manufacturer announced on Tuesday. The firm will be integrated as a signalling business unit within the Škoda Group and will be headed by Stanislas Pinte, one of The Signalling Company’s two executives.
Pinte and the other executive, Frederic Du Jardin, will keep a 6.1-per cent share in The Signalling Company. The remaining 93.9 per cent has gone to Škoda Group. The Signalling Company is known for their Level 4 safety software, which is fully compatible with the current European Train Control System (ETCS) standard. It is also applicable to autonomous mobility. The company is currently working to fit 110 Lineas locomotives with ETCS.
The Signalling Company and its 38 employees will now be integrated into the Škoda Group. Pinte’s role will change to Vice President for Signalling within the group.In that capacity, he will be tasked with the further development of the existing signalling solutions as well as advance technological development. This should put the the Škoda Group in a better position to better cater to market demand coming out of Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands, the group writes.
“Expanding our portfolio with our own signalling solutions, especially ETCS, is important to the Group’s success in European markets, especially in Western Europe”, Škoda Group CEO Didier Pfleger says in a press release. “This sector has great potential, and we’re looking forward to developing new solutions to improve rail transport safety, efficiency and sustainability”.
“With the entry of a large and successful partner into our company, there are further great opportunities for growth in the signalling business. Thanks to Škoda Group’s investment and the connection with such a major European rolling stock manufacturer, we will gain access to the European market”, Pinte adds.
(railtech.com)
