Wedoany.com Report-Dec 02, The upgrade includes the addition of a new paint shop.

VR FleetCare, a Finnish rail fleet maintenance company and wagon manufacturer, has invested nearly €10 million in upgrading its Oulu depot and project centre

The investment addresses the growing demand for surface treatment of rolling stock, driven by VR FleetCare's international projects. The new paint shop is primarily used for rolling stock but is also equipped to handle other large and complex components, thanks to its modern facilities and technology.

By expanding its operations in Oulu, VR FleetCare increases its capacity alongside the Pieksämäki machine workshop. The depot's location offers logistical benefits, and the new surface treatment line incorporates advanced technology such as intelligent temperature, humidity, and air exchange control to meet high international quality standards. This expansion is expected to bring new expertise and jobs to the Oulu region.

The Oulu depot, completed in 2014 with a washing hall added in 2016, is VR FleetCare's newest and most modern facility. The hall is used flexibly for international fleet projects and maintenance work. The two painting chambers are among the largest industrial painting chambers in Finland, with a combined length of 64 metres, a width of 7 metres, and a height of nearly 8 metres.

Operations at the new paint shop have commenced with a modernisation project for a Swedish customer's rolling stock and an update of VR's Sm6 fleet, known as Allegro. The Sm6 trains are being refurbished to reflect VR's new branding and are scheduled to enter service in Finland during 2025. Further details on the routes to be operated will be announced later.

The construction of the paint shop took about a year and involved several local contractors. Painting activities have already started, with the Sm6 Allegro trains currently undergoing refurbishment.