Interpipe’s Alignment with European Standards
Interpipe, a prominent Ukrainian industrial company, is taking significant steps to meet the growing demands of the domestic market by offering railway products that comply with the European standards of DSTU EN 13262. This shift will be implemented starting in January 2024, as part of Ukraine’s broader European integration process. The alignment with EU standards primarily focuses on transforming the railway transport sector in Ukraine, enabling smoother integration with the EU railway systems.
This move to European standards is seen as a strategic and necessary step toward Ukraine's long-term goals of modernization and alignment with European regulations. By ensuring that its products meet the required DSTU EN 13262 standards, Interpipe is not only contributing to local infrastructure development but also positioning itself as a leader in the global railway products market.
Introduction of Over 2000 European Standards
In early 2024, Ukraine introduced over 2000 European standards using the “cover” method, which was implemented across various industries, including railway products. This extensive overhaul, specifically impacting components like railway wheels, axles, and wheelsets, aims to ensure that Ukrainian products meet European specifications for safety and operational performance.
The introduction of these standards marks a monumental shift in how Ukrainian railways operate, significantly aligning them with EU norms. As part of this effort, Interpipe’s products, including wheels, axles, and wheelsets, will be produced according to the newly adopted DSTU EN 13262 standard. This shift is expected to foster better integration between Ukrainian and European railway networks, allowing for easier movement of rolling stock between the two regions.
Focus on Unification and Safety in Railway Systems
The shift to DSTU EN standards is not only about standardization but also enhancing the safety and reliability of railway systems. Oleksandr Roslyk, Technical Director of Interpipe’s Railway Products Division, highlighted the importance of unifying the railway infrastructure across the EU and Ukraine. One of the key objectives is to ensure the safety requirements in operation are met, enabling smoother and safer operations of railway systems between both regions.
In this context, the integration of European standards is expected to increase the lifespan and performance of rolling stock, reduce the risk of accidents, and improve overall operational efficiency. This standardization will also support the free movement of trains and other railway vehicles, fostering trade, logistics, and travel across the EU and Ukraine without operational barriers.
Key Differences Between GOST and DSTU EN Standards
A significant aspect of the transition to DSTU EN standards is the difference in steel grades used in the manufacturing of railway wheels. Previously, under the GOST standards, only grade 2 steel was utilized for manufacturing railway wheels. However, with the new DSTU EN 13262 standard, which will be enforced in 2024, there will be a broader range of materials used, with five different steel grades available for specific types of wheels.
These steel grades are crucial as they are specifically designed for different applications, including passenger, freight, and high-speed trains. This diversification in material types will allow manufacturers like Interpipe to produce more specialized products, thereby enhancing the quality, durability, and safety of railway vehicles used across both domestic and international networks.
Interpipe’s Global Reach and Expertise
Interpipe’s commitment to quality and innovation has earned it a place in international markets, where the company supplies railway products to over 60 countries. The company’s products are highly regarded in the industry and are used by top global railway companies such as Alstom, Bombardier, Siemens, and Deutsche Bahn. These products, branded under the KLW name, have earned a reputation for being durable, reliable, and high-performance.
Interpipe has also gained a strong reputation for its engineering expertise, developing over 250 standard sizes of solid-rolled wheels. With sizes ranging from 800 to 1250 mm, Interpipe has set a high bar for precision manufacturing in the railway sector. Their ability to design and produce wheels and axles tailored to various types of railway vehicles, whether for high-speed trains or heavy-duty freight transport, sets them apart as a leader in the field.
Investing in Quality and Expansion Amid Challenges
Despite facing significant challenges due to the ongoing war in Ukraine, Interpipe continues to invest heavily in its production infrastructure. The company has committed over $83 million in the last year alone to enhance the quality of its products and to expand its manufacturing capabilities. This includes the development of new production lines and facilities, such as a pipe rolling shop in Nikopol, which is central to the company’s continued growth and ability to meet global demand.
The ongoing investment in modernizing its production facilities underscores Interpipe's resilience and commitment to meeting the needs of its international customers, even in the face of adversity. The company’s strategy focuses on maintaining high standards of product quality and adapting to evolving global market requirements, ensuring that it remains a key player in the global railway products sector.
Key Takeaways:
• Interpipe is adapting its railway products to comply with DSTU EN 13262 standards, aligning with European integration efforts.
• Over 2000 European standards were introduced in Ukraine in early 2024, covering key railway products such as wheels, axles, and wheelsets.
• The transition to DSTU EN standards facilitates the creation of unified railway connections between Ukraine and the EU, supporting smoother and safer rail operations.
• New steel grades will be used under DSTU EN 13262 standards, with five distinct grades for different types of railway wheels, improving safety and reliability.
• Interpipe’s products are certified according to international standards and are sold in over 60 countries worldwide.
• The company continues to invest heavily, committing over $83 million in the last year to improve production quality and expand facilities, despite the ongoing war.
• Interpipe supplies products to industry giants such as Alstom, Bombardier, Siemens, and Deutsche Bahn, demonstrating its global reach and industry leadership.
• Investment in modern production facilities ensures that Interpipe remains competitive in the international market, maintaining high-quality standards and meeting global customer demands.
