Finland is set to strengthen its passenger rail network with 21 additional trains from Swiss rolling stock manufacturer Stadler Rail, following the exercise of an option included in an earlier supply agreement.
The latest order builds on a contract signed in November 2022 between Stadler and Finnish railway operator VR. The original deal covered 20 trains, with provisions allowing the purchase of up to 50 additional units. The new agreement was announced by Stadler on Friday, October 30.
The contract has since been transferred to RailStock Finland Oy, a state-owned company tasked with developing and leasing passenger rail vehicles to railway operators across the country.
RailStock Finland CEO Joakim Mette said the company aims to support sustainable public transport by ensuring that all railway operators have access to dependable, high-quality rolling stock without creating distortions in competition.
He added that investment in modern trains would help secure the long-term future of Finland’s publicly supported passenger rail services while enabling their further development over the coming decades.
Trains designed for harsh Nordic conditions
The additional vehicles will be based on Stadler’s Flirt platform, with the manufacturer adapting the four-carriage, low-floor trains to Finland’s demanding climate and operational requirements.
The trains will feature enhanced winter capabilities, including larger snowploughs, underfloor heating and improved thermal insulation, allowing them to maintain reliable operations in challenging weather conditions.
Each train will provide 340 seats and have a total passenger capacity of approximately 700 people. The vehicles will be capable of reaching speeds of up to 160 kilometres per hour.
Manufacturing is scheduled to take place at Stadler’s production facilities in Poland.
Stadler strengthens its international presence
The Finnish contract adds to Stadler Rail’s growing portfolio of international railway projects. The Swiss manufacturer produces a wide range of vehicles, including regional and high-speed trains, trams, metro systems and locomotives.
Founded in 1942 by engineer Ernst Stadler, the company is headquartered in Bussnang, in Switzerland’s canton of Thurgau. It employs around 18,000 people worldwide, including approximately 6,000 in Switzerland.
Stadler reported revenue of CHF3.7 billion in 2025.
The company’s shares were trading at approximately CHF32 on Friday afternoon. Their value has increased by around 48% since the beginning of 2026 and by 63% over the past 12 months. However, the current price remains below the CHF43 level recorded when Stadler first went public in April 2019.
The expanded Finnish order represents another step in the company’s efforts to supply modern rail technology to European markets, while supporting the renewal of passenger transport infrastructure in northern Europe. Photo by JoachimKohler-HB, Wikimedia commons.
