Good practice:

Hyperion Train - Bi-system Electric Multiple Unit Train

SOFTRONIC SRL company in Craiova launched a train named “Hyperion Bi-system Electric Multiple Unit”, an ultra-modern electric train, unibody (streamlined like metro trains) made in Craiova factory. It can reach a speed of 160 km per hour and it operates regular journeys on two routes in Romania: Craiova-Bucharest-Constanta and Craiova-Bucharest-Brasov. Softronic is a clear example of establishing a good practice in transport-related sector: improved mobility and new technology in railway transport by manufacturing Hyperion trains (and LEMA locomotives) for domestic & export markets, contribution to reduction of GHG emission by using electric rail transport, delivery of modern trains and locomotives as an innovative solution to mobility and pollution challenges, with positive impact and benefit to regional/domestic transport sector for passengers and freight. Softronic is the only factory producing electric trains & locomotives in Eastern Europe.

The project was funded by SOP IEC 2007-13, co-financed by ERDF. The total investment was 6M Euro, of which the amount of 4M Euro is the grant for the investment that the company has received. Human resources working on it were 180 people.

Hyperion is a revolutionary train in Romania, entirely made in the factory in Craiova, manufactured with the latest technology based on Softronic experience in producing high quality railway vehicles. It is equipped with the best electric, electronic and mechanical components. The turnover increased from 13,005,000 Euro in 2015 to 21,000,000 Euro in the years 2018-2019. The number of employees increased from 175 persons in 2015 to more than 200 persons in 2019.

This is a relevant Good Practice example of the SW Oltenia region in terms of innovative and dynamic SME, in this case SOFTRONIC SRL, the manufacturer of Hyperion train. The company decided to diversify its product range, develop business ideas that are innovative and ready for the market and attract investment to support the growth of their business process, resulting in further development of the Transport sector. This GP has a real value in terms of learning and transfer to other regions in Europe. This is an innovative solution to mobility and pollution challenges that brings electro mobility to urban areas. Therefore, it can be potentially transferred to other regions facing similar challenges and interested in reducing GHG emission.