FPS Cegielski, a historic manufacturer based in Poznań, is making significant strides in sustainable rail transport. With a recent 245 million złoty contract to deliver six electric multiple units (EMUs) to the Lubusz Voivodeship, the company is not only advancing green mobility but also revitalising the regional economy. This move underscores FPS Cegielski’s commitment to innovation and environmental responsibility in the rail industry.
Breaking New Ground in Modern Rail
FPS Cegielski, the legendary Poznań-based train manufacturer, is charting a bold new course in Polish transportation. In a major milestone, the company has secured a 245 million złoty contract with the Lubusz Voivodeship for the delivery of six state-of-the-art electric multiple units (EMUs) from its new “Plus” series. This agreement signals not just a commercial success, but a transformation of a legacy enterprise into a modern leader in green mobility.
With this contract, we are launching serial production of EMUs—something that hasn’t happened here in decades. It proves we’re ready to meet the highest standards of modern rail manufacturing.
said Grzegorz Kucia, President of FPS Cegielski.
EMU Plus: A Product of Precision and Purpose
The six EMUs to be delivered under this contract mark a significant upgrade in passenger transport for the Lubusz region. These sleek 82-metre-long trains are designed to reach speeds of up to 160 km/h, offering a quiet, fast, and eco-friendly alternative to traditional diesel services. On board, passengers will find modern comforts: Wi-Fi, dynamic passenger information, surveillance systems, and toilets adapted for passengers with disabilities.
FPS Cegielski’s focus on accessibility and comfort is more than an aesthetic choice—it reflects a broader commitment to inclusive, future-proof transport. The project’s funding includes over 127 million złoty from the EU’s Regional Operational Programme, underlining its alignment with European green transition goals.
A Boost to the Regional Economy
The contract is not only a technical win, but an economic stimulant. Over 90% of the components used in the EMUs will come from Polish suppliers, underscoring FPS Cegielski’s role as a hub of domestic industry. This localisation supports job creation, fortifies supply chains, and reaffirms the company’s place in the fabric of Greater Poland’s economy.
This is more than a contract—it’s a renaissance. It marks the return of high-quality, large-scale production in Poznań, and shows that Polish rail engineering is globally competitive.
said Wojciech Balczun, President of the Industrial Development Agency.
In practical terms, the project means more than just new trains on the tracks. It means expanded employment opportunities in Poznań, growth for subcontractors across the region, and renewed confidence in Polish industrial capability. After years of restructuring and uncertainty, FPS Cegielski is once again becoming a powerful engine for local development.
Hybrid Innovation: The Plus Series Evolution
This latest EMU deal is part of a broader product strategy. FPS Cegielski’s “Plus” family also includes hybrid diesel-electric units—already operational in Lubusz—designed for routes without continuous electrification. These models, like the 227M-001, showcase flexible mobility, capable of switching between power sources and featuring innovative design elements like fold-out ramps, dedicated bicycle storage, and wheelchair-accessible spaces.
Offering both electric and hybrid models enables us to support regions where infrastructure isn’t yet complete. We’re building trains that match today’s diverse transport realities.
noted Kucia.
These hybrid trains represent a thoughtful answer to real-world infrastructure limitations in Poland. With full electrification of the national network still years away, these dual-mode vehicles ensure that greener travel is available now, even on rural routes.
From Historic Brand to Future-Oriented Manufacturer
To understand FPS Cegielski’s cultural weight, one must look back to its founder. Hipolit Cegielski, born in 1813, was a philologist, teacher, and patriot who transformed adversity into industrial ambition. Expelled from teaching for refusing to support Prussian policies that undermined Polish identity, he opened a hardware shop in 1846. This seemingly humble venture would spark a manufacturing empire.
Within a decade, Cegielski transitioned from commerce to production, launching a factory that specialised in agricultural tools and later steam machinery. His success was underpinned by a clear mission: to fortify Polish industry, empower local workers, and fuel national resilience. By the late 19th century, the company had become one of Poznań’s most significant employers and a symbol of Polish ingenuity under foreign rule.
While FPS Cegielski’s roots trace back to 1846 and the visionary Hipolit Cegielski, today’s success is defined not by nostalgia, but by reinvention. The shift from traditional rolling stock to fully integrated EMU systems marks a new era for the company.
FPS Cegielski’s transformation is strategic and well-timed. By entering the EMU market—a space once dominated by foreign players—the company is reclaiming a key segment of Poland’s rail manufacturing scene. It also aligns with the government’s broader aim to reindustrialise and restore technological sovereignty in key infrastructure sectors.
As FPS Cegielski expands its footprint with new categories of rolling stock, it positions itself not only as a builder of trains, but as a symbol of national capacity in high-tech manufacturing.
Ready for More: What’s Next for FPS Cegielski?
In recent decades, FPS Cegielski faced stiff competition and shifting industrial trends. Yet rather than fade into obscurity, the company has reinvented itself. Now operating under the umbrella of the Industrial Development Agency (ARP S.A.), it is steering Polish rail transport toward a cleaner, greener future.
With the first four EMUs scheduled for delivery by the end of 2028 and the final two by 2029, FPS Cegielski is now fully engaged in serial production. The company has also been included among four firms signing framework agreements with Polregio for the delivery of more rolling stock—an encouraging sign that this contract is only the beginning.
Meanwhile, the second prototype of the Plus train series is nearly ready, promising enhanced features and greater capacity. Coupled with increasing collaboration between FPS Cegielski and other public transport stakeholders, the next few years could see the Poznań plant return to full industrial strength.
A Symbol of Polish Resilience and Reinvention
The return to rail manufacturing has broader implications for Poznań and Greater Poland. Contracts like the Lubusz deal generate employment and reinvigorate local subcontractors. The move also symbolises a reclaiming of industrial pride, reconnecting today’s workers with the legacy of past generations who once made Cegielski a household name.
With plans to support Poland’s defence sector through potential collaborations on military equipment, FPS Cegielski could once again become a strategic pillar of national industry.
