Replique expands global parts supply partnership with Alstom
Replique, based in Mannheim, Germany, reports it is expanding its collaboration with global rail industry manufacturer Alstom. The partnership began with projects such as door stoppers and tank caps but has now grown into a long-term partnership. Replique now serves as a global supplier for numerous projects and subsidiaries, including locations in Singapore, Brazil, Australia, France, Italy, Germany, Thailand, and Spain.
With Replique, Alstom reportedly benefits from having a single partner for a wide range of manufacturing technologies. Replique evaluates each component to determine the most cost-effective and technically optimal solution across Additive Manufacturing, CNC machining, casting, forging, and other processes. When needed, Replique manages the entire process, from design and qualification to production, finishing, quality assurance, and delivery to the end customer.
A single audit is sufficient to access Replique’s entire global partner network of more than 350 suppliers. Critical components are also qualified on-site when necessary.
Replique has already produced volumes in the lower five-digit range for Alstom. These parts, made from materials ranging from stainless steel to flame-retardant plastics, are in daily use across railway operations, with all of them meeting Alstom’s specific testing and qualification requirements.
“We are proud to provide Alstom with global solutions that make their parts supply more efficient and flexible. Our components are used in series production, and each project highlights the diverse challenges of parts procurement while motivating us in our vision of a globally connected, sustainable, and efficient supply chain,” said Dr Max Siebert, CEO and Co-Founder of Replique.
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The partnership’s versatility was made evident by the need to replace an impeller in a metro solution cooling unit in Asia. While the original manufacturer only offered to replace the entire block, Replique produced the single component and handled every step of the process, from metal AM and balancing to precision milling and final corrosion-resistant coating. This approach reportedly enabled the locomotive to return to service quickly.
In Italy, Replique reportedly quickly delivered cast intercoolers to restore a train from the 1960s. Since the previous supplier was no longer available, Replique ensured production using additively manufactured casting molds, securing long-term spare part availability.
Additionally, for new series of Alstom trains, Replique supplies branding plates worldwide. Lorenzo Gasparoni, Alstom 3D Printing Program Manager, shared, “Replique doesn’t just deliver the components; it ensures consistently high quality across the globe, which is especially crucial for series production.”
“Replique also completed the entire series approval process, including First Article Inspection and First Article Mount – with excellent results,” Gasparoni added.
