Wabtec, a global leader in rail technology solutions, has announced a significant investment of 20 million reais ($3.7 million) to expand its operations and workforce in Brazil. The focus will be on increasing engineering and manufacturing capacity in Contagem, Minas Gerais, where the company will establish its first global engineering center in Latin America.
The new engineering center, set to open in December, will be located near Wabtec’s factory in the Cidade Industrial district and will span approximately 9,000m2. This state-of-the-art facility will house laboratories and workspaces for 300 engineering professionals, with recruitment already underway.
The primary objective of the engineering center is to provide research and development support for projects serving both domestic and international markets. This strategic move aligns with Wabtec’s commitment to innovation and customer excellence.
Since April 2025, Wabtec has been operating a locomotive production line at the Contagem plant. With the addition of this new line, the factory’s production capacity is expected to increase by 28%. The company projects that the facility will reach a total production of 1,000 locomotives by 2026.
By 2026, the combined workforce of the factory and the engineering center is forecast to surpass 1,000 employees, further solidifying Wabtec’s presence in Brazil.
Danilo Miyasato, Wabtec’s Latin America regional leader and president, expressed his confidence in the Brazilian market and the region’s growth potential. He highlighted the dedication of the Brazilian team in delivering top-notch products and services to customers, emphasizing the company’s readiness to serve railroads in Brazil and worldwide with excellence and innovation.
In addition to the developments in Contagem, Wabtec is set to open two logistics centers this year in Governador Valadares, Minas Gerais, and Monte Alto, São Paulo. These centers will enhance shipping capacity and support growth in key business areas such as maintenance of way, digital intelligence, and components.
Furthermore, Wabtec recently formalized an agreement with Vale to conduct laboratory testing on a dual-fuel engine capable of running on both diesel and a diesel-ethanol blend. These tests, scheduled through 2027, aim to evaluate the engine’s performance and emissions profile, exploring the potential for ethanol to substitute diesel in the Vitória-Minas Railway fleet.
The initiative to boost engineering and manufacturing in Brazil underscores Wabtec’s commitment to driving innovation and excellence in the rail technology sector. For more information, please visit Railway Technology, a GlobalData-owned brand.
