MTR Stockholm

 

MTR Tunnelbanan's Challenge with Stockholm Metro Windows

Background: The Mass Transit Railway (MTR) is a major public transportation network serving Hong Kong, operated by the MTR Corporation. Additionally, MTR operates the Stockholm Metro through its subsidiary, MTR Tunnelbanan AB, under a contract with Storstockholms Lokaltrafik (SL), which owns the metro system. Since November 2009, MTR has been responsible for operating the Stockholm Metro, and MTR Tech AB maintains the rolling stock.

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A significant issue arose with the Bombardier SL C20 trains, which serve as the backbone of the Stockholm Metro system. The front windows of the train cars presented two key problems: weak frame construction, which could cause the windows to cave-in in case of impact, and heating wires embedded in the windows that caused distracting reflections when trains exited tunnels. The windows also needed to be heated to prevent condensation.

Challenge: To address these issues, TD Rail in Västerås, Sweden, undertook the redesign of the window system. Scandic Sourcing was assigned the task of sourcing and managing the manufacturing process for the upgraded windows.

Solution: Scandic Sourcing carried out a comprehensive vendor search to find suppliers qualified to serve the rail industry. The solution involved working with four key suppliers to produce the custom-designed windows:

  1. Frame Supplier: A supplier was selected to manufacture the special profile aluminum extrusion frames with powder coating.
  2. Glass Supplier: Another supplier produced the curved double-laminated windows. Scandic Sourcing ensured that the production followed strict English/Chinese Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), which were carefully monitored throughout the manufacturing process.
  3. Heating Film Supplier: A supplier for the heating film was identified. The film underwent thorough testing and met the required performance criteria.
  4. Assembly Supplier: Scandic Sourcing managed the selection of a supplier for window assembly, which required the construction of a special assembly jig. The assembly and testing followed international train standards, including optical and projectile testing, to ensure safety and performance.

Result: Approximately 550 window assemblies were produced and delivered over two years according to a delivery schedule. These were installed gradually across the Stockholm Metro's C20 train fleet, a few railcars at a time. The new windows met all required criteria and continue to operate successfully, ensuring passenger safety and comfort.

Additional Services: In addition to sourcing and quality control, Scandic Sourcing handled the logistics and export documentation, overseeing the transportation of over 500 windshields from Shanghai to Stockholm. MTR utilized a wide range of Scandic Sourcing’s services, including supplier search, quality control, procurement services, quality system audits, and supplier development, ensuring the success of the project.

The project is a testament to the seamless collaboration between Scandic Sourcing, suppliers, and MTR, delivering a robust and effective solution to a critical challenge.

Sound of arriving and departing Stockholm metro train / SL C20 train (youtube.com)