Alstom has entered a new phase of cooperation with Sweden-based Stilfold, shifting from pilot validation to broader industrial evaluation of the company’s steel-forming technology. The partnership focuses on potential applications in train structures and components, with an emphasis on weight reduction, material efficiency and lower lifecycle emissions.
Stilfold’s method uses controlled curve-bending of steel sheets, enabling complex geometries with reduced welding and potentially lower raw material consumption. For rail applications, the approach could contribute to lighter vehicle structures and simplified manufacturing processes, supporting both cost and sustainability targets.
“Through the pilot project, we have been able to confirm that Stilfold is a highly promising technology with potential across several types of train components,” said Ganesh Chandramouli, Head of Innovation, Strategy and Product Portfolio at Alstom Sweden. He added that the next phase will focus on identifying environmentally friendly and cost-effective solutions suitable for wider implementation.
From Stilfold’s perspective, the move represents industrial validation of the technology’s scalability. “Taking this step together with Alstom from pilot to broader application confirms that our technology has the potential to redefine how steel components are constructed and produced,” said Jonas Nyvang, co-founder and CEO of Stilfold.
In the coming months, the partners will assess additional structural elements and assemblies where the folding process could deliver measurable operational and environmental gains. The cooperation forms part of Alstom’s wider innovation strategy aimed at strengthening European industrial competitiveness while reducing the environmental footprint of rail manufacturing.
