EKZ to Increase Local Content to 70% by 2020

Elektrovoz kurastyru zauyty (EKZ) is to increase local content to 70% by 2020, the Interfax reports.

“We have already localized 25%”, EKZ General Director Bernard Peille said. “Our goal for next year is to reach 50% and further on - 60 - 70% of lo

cal content by 2020”. He also noted that “local content” means systems and components manufactured within the Customs Union; the expectation is that the greater portion would be acquired in Kazakhstan.

EKZ is to produce 22 electric locomotives in 2015, including Kazakhstan’s first passenger electric locomotive. In 2017 - 2020 the plant is to deliver 50 locomotives to Azerbaijan Railways. EKZ also largest Georgia, Lithuania and Iran.

EKZ is a joint venture of Alstom, Kazakhstan Temir Zholy and Transmashholding. The plant manufactures electric locomotives.