Established in 2007, the 50-50 joint-venture between Alstom and Balfour Beatty delivered signalling solutions to the UK and Ireland’s rail sectors offering a range of train control solutions and services. The acquisition now allows Alstom to take sole ownership of SSL and its 540 employees at four locations. The company will continue to trade as SSL for the foreseeable future.
Pascal Cléré, Senior Vice President of Alstom Transport signalling activity commented on the acquisition: “This acquisition is part of Alstom’s signalling growth strategy and enables the company to take full benefit from its worldwide resources and capabilities. SSL enriches Alstom’s portfolio, both from a geographical and product standpoints.â€
Terence Watson, President of Alstom UK added “Alstom will use this fantastic opportunity to strengthen its activities in UK- which include rolling stock, infrastructure, electrification and signalling – and contribute to build a better railway. The company is looking forward to further collaborating with Network Rail, Crossrail, HS2 and the British supply chain in delivering the state-of-the-art signalling technologies that will deliver the railway’s digital future.â€
SSL projects include the provision of signalling renewals and enhancements as part of Network Rail’s major signalling framework agreement. Network Rail also awarded SSL a framework agreement to design and develop European Train Control System (ETCS level 2) using Alstom’s proven Atlas ERTMS technology.