The French Rail Market

France’s railway supply industry ranks second in Europe and is the world’s third largest, with an annual turnover of around €4 billion. Up to one third of its output is for export. The sector directly employs more than 30,000 people and supports close to 84,000 jobs on the national territory. The government is currently evaluating a comprehensive strategy to overhaul the rail transport system around three main objectives: refocusing rail transport on its area of relevance, creating the conditions for a return to economic equilibrium, and preparing for the opening to competition.

Lille Grand Palais Exhibition Centre is the dedicated venue for all recent SIFER events. Located at the heart of the Hauts de France region, it is the leading centre for the rail supply industry in France. Companies based there, from large manufacturers and equipment suppliers to over 200 SMEs/SMIs, account for 40% of the national railway manufacturing activity. The region is also home to research organisations developing the cutting-edge technologies that will help shape tomorrow’s railways.