Industrial giant GE started production late last year of the 233 GE Evolution Series locomotives it has been contracted to supply to State-owned Transnet Freight Rail (TFR) as part of its acquisition of 1 064 electric and diesel locomotives from four original-equipment manufacturers.

The R50-billion acquisition contract will see China South Rail Zhuzhou Electric Locomotive and Bombardier Transportation South Africa collectively supply 599 electric locomotives, while GE South Africa Technologies and China North Rail Rolling Stock South Africa will supply a collective 465 diesel locomotives.

Approval to begin local manufacturing was granted to GE in March 2014, following delivery of the first six Evolution Series locomotives, which were manufactured by GE in the US.

These locomotives will act as blueprints for the remaining 227 locally built locomotives that GE will deliver as part of Transnet's locomotive fleet renewal programme.

The group asserts that the locomotives will have 55% local content, making them the “most African” locomotives of their kind.

“We are building these world-class locomotives here in South Africa because we are committed to growing the local supply chain and establishing South Africa as the rolling stock hub for the continent,” comments GE Transportation Africa CEO and president Thomas Konditi.

“Over the past six years, we have developed relationships with some of the best local suppliers in the industry. Booyco, based in Germiston, is building the air conditioner for the locomotive’s main cab.

“Duys, with its head office in Pinetown, KwaZulu-Natal, but with branches across South Africa, is manufacturing the fuel tank. There are many other companies that we are honoured to partner with to build what will be our ‘most African’ locomotive,” he said in a statement.
Transnet Engineering will be manufacturing and assembling the locomotives’ platform, trac-tion motors, bogies and alternators at its facility in Pretoria, while the radiators will be produced by Germiston-based Wabtec South Africa.

Powered by GE Transportation’s 12-cylinder, four-stroke diesel engine, the Evolution Series engine produces 4 200 GHP.

GE says the turbocharged engine provides efficiency, ensures fewer emissions and extends overhaul intervals; it enhances cooling and higher- strength materials to improve reliability and allow for future increases in power and efficiency.