Press releases

Thailand has undergone a rapid economic boom since the 1970s. This path was traversed in a very much shorter period than, for example, in Taiwan or South Korea. Despite the current political instability and only 5% growth, the expansion of the industrial sector continues to be promoted; alongside tourism it accounts for 45% of the gross national product. Therefore, investment is being made in the development of the infrastructure. Several large railway construction projects are planned in the next 5 years in order to network Thailand’s big cities with the less developed rural areas. The STRABAG Group will supply a major part of the equipment for the rail network.

The plant specialist Vollert is implementing a new concrete sleeper production plant in Baku. In conjunction with this, apart from development services for the modern plant technology, the company is also providing extensive engineering services for the planning and realisation of the track system for the Azerbaijanian capital's underground railway. The Weinsberg-based mechanical engineering company is offering this service as engineering partner and general contractor.

High-speed routes exceeding 200 km/h and higher axle loads place an enormous amount of stress on the permanent ways of railway lines. Prestressed concrete sleepers for track systems are therefore increasingly replacing the steel or timber sleepers in rail networks. They are more durable, require less maintenance and are also environmentally friendlier since no creosote is required for impregnation. In order to cover the rising demands of the industry and the public authorities, building material manufacturers and building contractors are increasingly investing in modern production plants. The GIC Group is also doing so at its headquarters in Monterrey, Mexico.

One of the most advanced mould circuits for railway sleepers has initiated its operations in the Turkish Afyon. In the future Inkol Insaat will produce 450.000 pre-stressed concrete sleepers per year in a 2-shift operation. Vollert Anlagenbau, the specialist in precast concrete works, has been responsible for the know-how and the technology in developing the plant within six months after the contract was signed.