Alstom
French multinational rail transport systems manufacturer.
Alstom SA is a French multinational rail transport systems manufacturer, active in passenger transportation, rail services, signalling, and locomotives, producing high-speed, suburban, regional and urban trains along with trams. It is notable for its long history in rail and energy, including the construction of the first TGV and setting multiple world speed records.
Quick Facts
- Former Name
- Als-thom (1928–1930) / Alsthom (1930–1980) / Alsthom Atlantique (1980–1989) / GEC Alsthom (1989–1998)
- Traded As
- ALO · FR0010220475 · XPAR · CAC 40 component
- Founded
- 1928
- Hq Location
- Saint-Ouen-sur-Seine, France
- Key People
- Martin Sion (Chairman and CEO)
- Products
- Railway vehicles, service and systems, signalling, electric road systems
- Industry
- Rail transport
- Net Income
- 498 million (2024/2025)
- Assets
- 34.58 billion (2024/2025)
- Equity
- 10.57 billion (2024/2025)
- Owner
- CDPQ (17.5%)
- Num Employees
- 86,039 (March 2025)
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
Alstom was founded in 1928 as Alsthom from the merger of the French heavy engineering subsidiary of Thomson-Houston Electric Company and Société Alsacienne de Constructions Mécaniques. In 1932, it expanded into transportation by acquiring Constructions électriques de France, a manufacturer of electric locomotives. In 1976, it merged with Chantiers de l'Atlantique, becoming Alsthom Atlantique and expanding into marine. In 1978, it delivered its first TGV to SNCF, which later set world rail speed records in 1981 (380 km/h), 1990 (515.3 km/h), and 2007 (574.8 km/h). In 1989, GEC Alsthom was formed from a 50–50 merger with the Power Systems Division of the British General Electric Company, and the company was officially renamed Alstom in 1998. The company faced a financial crisis in 2003 due to poor sales and over $5 billion of debt, leading to a French state bailout in 2004. It later sold its marine division in 2006 and acquired wind turbine manufacturer Ecotècnia in 2007.
Reader's Guide
Alstom's significance lies in its role as a major manufacturer of high-speed trains, particularly the TGV, which set multiple world speed records. The company's history reflects consolidation in the European rail and energy industries, from its 1928 merger through acquisitions of Metro-Cammell, Linke-Hofmann-Busch, and Fiat Ferroviaria. Its financial crisis in 2003 and subsequent state bailout highlight the challenges of large industrial conglomerates. The company's legacy includes the development of the Eurostar Class 373 trains for the Channel Tunnel and its expansion into wind and tidal energy before selling its energy business to GE in 2015. Alstom continues to be a key player in rail transport, with projects such as a high-speed rail line between Baghdad and Basra and a contract to modernise trains for Mexico City.
Did You Know?
- Alstom was originally spelled Alsthom when founded in 1928.
- The company built the first 1300 MW generator set for the Paluel Nuclear Power Plant in 1977.
- In 1986, Alsthom Belfort received an order for the world's largest gas turbine at 212 MW.
- Alstom acquired a 51% stake in Fiat Ferroviaria in 2000, a world leader in tilting technology.
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