Interview: Robert Röder, CEO of Strukton Rail AB
Posted: 4 June 2014 | | No comments yet
In an exclusive interview for Global Railway Review, Robert Röder, CEO of Strukton Rail AB, discusses the company’s recent acquisition of Balfour Beatty Rail Scandinavia and what this means to Strukton and its future position in the railway marketplace…
Strukton recently completed the acquisition of Balfour Beatty Rail Scandinavia – what does the acquisition include?
The acquisition comprises of the entire business including workforce, plant and equipment as well as ongoing contracts in Sweden, Denmark and Norway.
How does the new acquisition provide substantial savings to the railways in a tough economic climate?
It generates economy of scale and an increased production capacity for our company, which will enable us to decrease overhead costs and other fixed costs. Through this, we are able to offer our customers cost-efficiency. It also enables us to meet future market demands as we are expecting an increased order level for the Swedish and Danish markets from 2015 onwards. Scandinavia is one of our most important markets within the overall Strukton Rail Group.
How does the acquisition affect the future strategy of the group and what synergies can you expect to benefit from?
The acquisition is part of Strukton Rail’s long-term plan to expand in Scandinavia. As previously mentioned, the region is a very important market for us and our future strategy is to meet the demands which will come from this region.
With considerable investment taking place in the Scandinavian rail sector, the future looks encouraging – which projects can we expect to see Strukton working on?
Strukton Rail will be active within all areas of building, maintaining and renewing of railway infrastructure right across the Scandinavian region. Right now we are active in different projects such as the installation of ERTMS in Denmark (S-bane and F-bane, subcontractor to Siemens and Thales). In Sweden, we are in the planning phase of building the Citybanan – an important project which will expand the railway connection in central Stockholm. We will soon enter the tunnels to start the construction work.
What are the core long-term goals and objectives for Strukton?
First and foremost is to be our customer’s first choice. To be able to reach that position we also want to attract the market’s most committed and innovative employees. Through operational excellence we are aiming to become our customers’ and employees’ first choice. We are focused on making the journey from ‘good to great’!
