SMH Rail is Malaysia’s largest privately-owned prime rolling stock manufacturer and maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) service provider – delivering rail engineering solutions to more than 20 countries globally.
From a humble beginning 20 years ago, the company now offers a unique combination of in-depth industry experience and integrated solutions, and boasts a sizeable presence in Malaysia’s railway rolling stock market.
This includes the supply of advanced driverless electric trains for the 51km MRT Line 1 (Sungai Buloh-Kajang) – completed on schedule and within budget – and the ongoing 57.7km MRT Line 2 (Sungai Buloh-Serdang-Putrajaya).
To date, SMH Rail has delivered over 376 metro cars and most of them are in successful operations. The company also provides cost-effective maintenance services for KTMB and Prasarana – extending the life of their valuable railway rolling stock.
Over the last two decades, SMH Rail has made significant international inroads across markets in Asean, Europe, Africa, and India.
An indigenously designed inter-city train.
This includes manufacturing of diesel-electric locomotives for projects in Africa funded by the World Bank, designing and building special purpose rail wagons for German company Kirow, modernising trains for Singapore’s SMRT, and manufacturing bogies and wheelsets for high-speed electric trains for the Indian railways.
SMH Rail has invested over RM150mil to establish an internationally-certified electric train manufacturing facility and state-of-the-art locomotive and freight wagon manufacturing plant in Malaysia that is equipped with modern robotic welding and computerised testing equipment.
This is the only facility in South-East Asia to be accredited by the Association of American Railroads (AAR), and includes Malaysia’s only privately-owned 1km multigauge railway test track.
The state-of-the-art facility reinforces the company’s aspiration to spearhead the development of a sustainable ecosystem and position Malaysia as the regional railway manufacturing hub.
Global success
The Malaysian-owned company takes pride in its employment of over 1,000 talented engineers and technicians in the country.
This home-grown expertise has been developed through strategic collaborations with leading industry players such as General Electric, Siemens, Amsted and Thales.
SMH Rail has successfully developed precision engineering skills with over 60 local SMEs, enabling these companies to enhance their experience and venture into global markets.
SMH Rail locally manufactures and supplies railway trains and components to the global and local market. The company has also jointly developed internationally-validated engineering designs with European partners for electric trains, locomotives, trams, and automated people mover (APM) for airport.
In this context, SMH Rail has bid for strategic projects in Malaysia such as the ETS3 train with a design speed of 160kmph and KLIA APM, and is ready to offer advanced solution for future rail projects in line with the Government agenda to develop the local rail industry.
SMH Rail attributes its success to supportive governmental policies and strategic engagements with local institutions.
The Finance Ministry, Transport Ministry, Technology Depository Agency (TDA), Malaysian Industry-Government Group for High Technology (MIGHT), and Malaysia Rail Industry Corporation (MARIC) have played an integral role in ensuring technology transfer from global industry players.
Major stakeholders such as KTMB, Prasarana and MRT Corporation have also promoted local industry growth.
The emerging focus on efficient mass public transport and freight transport connectivity will offer tremendous opportunity for local industry players to contribute to the increasing demands of the domestic and global rail industry.
SMH Rail takes pride in its cutting-edge engineering solutions, and stands ready to drive future success in Malaysia’s rail industry.
Leave a Comment