With $172 billion available for rail projects in the U.S. over the next five years, global transportation firm Alstom knew it would face challenges as it tries to secure its share of the work, said Mark Gruber, head of the company’s Pittsburgh-area operation.
To help deal with that expected surge in work, Alstom has entered a five-year research partnership with the University of Pittsburgh’s Swanson School of Engineering. Alstom hosted Pitt faculty for a tour of its Strip District facility Wednesday, and company officials will be on campus Thursday as leaders solidify the deal.
“Alstom needs to be the best to compete, and that’s where the University of Pittsburgh comes in,” said Gruber, who is a Pitt graduate. “We’re mixing with some of the best folks around.”
Alstom is among the world leaders in transportation with a strong presence in airport people movers, light rail transit, high-speed trains and signal control systems across the globe with more than 70,000 employees. In the Pittsburgh area, it has about 650 employees after it acquired the former Bombardier facilities in West Mifflin two years ago and moved offices to One Waterfront Place to provide more space for manufacturing and its test track in the Monongahela Valley.
With the Swanson agreement, the company will work with 20 to 25 faculty members to select research projects that will be assigned to graduate students, said David A. Vorp, Pitt’s associate dean for research. Alstom also will provide internships and have other involvement with Swanson, such as sponsoring a seminar for 150 engineering students from across the country.
Mary Besterfield-Sacre, associate dean for academic affairs and director of the Engineering Education Research Center, said the university is “excited” by the partnership.
“When Alstom came to us to partner with them, we said ‘yes’ right away,” she said, noting the partnership will provide an opportunity for “engaging our students in professionalism.”
Ed covers transportation at the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, but he's currently on strike. Email him at eblazina@unionprogress.com.