VR is investing EUR 10 million in Pieksämäki - The new wheelset lathe strengthens Finland’s security of supply
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The new lathe also brings additional capability to Finland, enabling maintenance of wheelsets for the European standard gauge (1,435 mm) in Finland.
This expands VR’s maintenance service offering and meets the needs of both domestic and international customers.
“This is a significant investment and addresses a critical vulnerability in Finland’s security of supply. Having two lathes improves the operational reliability of rolling stock maintenance and extends our capabilities to serve international rolling stock”, says Otso Ikonen, Senior Vice President of Maintenance, VR.
A clear process improves the efficiency of wheelset maintenance
Wheelset lathing is a key part of train maintenance. During operation, wheels wear and their profile changes, increasing stress on both the track and the rolling stock. Turning restores the correct wheel profile, ensuring safe operations. The new maintenance centre is also used in the production of wheelsets for new wagons.
The new wheelset maintenance centre, Wheel Works, has been designed from the the outset to support efficient and safe operations. In the new production facility, wheelsets move seamlessly from one phase to the next, while the facilities, technology and operating models support modern maintenance work. Clear layout design and modern equipment shortens production lead times and improves resource efficiency.
The new maintenance centre also directly supports wagon manufacturing in Pieksämäki and creates a foundation for future growth.
The investment strengthens Pieksämäki’s role
The new maintenance centre is part of a broader investment programme that strengthens Pieksämäki’s position as a key hub for rail maintenance and wagon manufacturing. Several major projects are currently underway at the Pieksämäki workshop, including the production of heavy transport wagons for the Swedish and Norwegian defence forces , as well as the production of roundwood wagons for UPM. In addition, the overhaul of Dosto (ER1) train bogies for a Swedish customer will begin later this year.
“These new projects, investments and modern production environments demonstrate that we are growing and evolving. We offer skilled professionals opportunities to work in demanding, technologically advanced roles that are also significant for the society,” says Ikonen.