Frauenfeld, Switzerland, April, 9, 2024
European Loc Pool (ELP), a pioneer in innovative locomotive leasing services, is planning for the future and announces that CEO Willem Goosen will continue to steer the company forward. This is following the board’s unanimous request to extend his contract for at least an additional 2,5-3 years and then move to the Board of Directors as part of a long-term succession solution.
Willem, a veteran with over 42 years of experience in logistics in all 4 different segments across the globe — from Africa to Europe, from The Americas to Asia/Oceania — shared his vision:
“Our mission at ELP is to challenge the status quo of the Rail Freight Segment in Europe, which, to our concern, has seen little ‘real’ innovation in the last five to six decades. With ELP, we’re setting a new course towards innovation and positive disruption.”
Willem Goosen started the business operations of European Loc Pool just 6 years ago with Peter Spuhler and Christof Reichmuth, two reputable Swiss Partners, and since then the company has begun reshaping the European Rail Freight Market with the introduction of two groundbreaking locomotive-types: the EuroDual and the Euro9000.
“We’ve successfully deployed the 6-axle hybrid locomotives, defying sceptics who doubted our vision. Up to now, ELP has placed 124 locomotives on order, of which 106 have already been signed on long-term Full-Service Lease-Agreements. We serve over 30 lessees in 6 different countries, signalling a new era for rail freight in Europe.”
Looking ahead, the ambition of European Loc Pool is clear: to bring the EuroDual to the Balkans and extend the region of operation of the Euro9000 to Italy and eventually also to France and Eastern Europe.
Additionally, ELP has set the objective to have two hundred locomotives on order by the end of 2026 – a significantly faster growth-path than originally anticipated.
Willem Goosen explains: “One strong argument for choosing these six-axle locomotive types is that in the entire world, rail freight is managed predominantly with these locomotive configurations, but in Europe, it does not. In addition to this, we have also added a much-needed ‘Hybrid-Solution’. Continued expansion remains a priority for ELP; this is why I am not done here yet.”
Christof Reichmuth (Reichmuth & Co AG, one of ELP’s main shareholders) confirms “I am very proud on the first six years of ELP. The success is based on the combination of an innovative product with an excellent and ambitious team under the lead of Willem”.
Peter Spuhler, through his investment-holding company PCS, the majority shareholder in ELP, states: “I am very happy to have started the initial discussions on a new Rolling Stock Leasing Company with Willem back in 2017 and we are thrilled and impressed with the current success of ELP, that could not have been generated without Willem and his Team”.
The team of European Loc Pool is delighted with this decision and is looking forward to another 2,5-3 years with Willem Goosen at the helm.
Willem adds: “I am very proud of the Team at ELP. Everyone is an expert in her/his field and together, we make great things happen in the shortest possible time.”
About European Loc Pool AG
Founded in May 2018 and headquartered in Frauenfeld, Switzerland, European Loc Pool (ELP) is a dynamic force in the locomotive leasing sector, known for its innovative and creative approach. ELP ordered the first EuroDual locomotives in the third quarter of 2018. Since then, ELP has signed a framework agreement with Stadler for at least 100 Co’Co’ hybrid locomotives.
From this agreement, 106 locomotives have already been leased under long-term full-service contracts with more than 30 operators in six countries. ELP has currently more than 75 locomotives in operation in 6 different countries. European Loc Pool aims to serve rail operators, logistics companies and industrial enterprises across Europe with focus on new innovative six-axle hybrid locomotives.
European Loc Pool’s comprehensive full-service leasing package includes the maintenance and insurance as well as the unique option for clients to customize the exterior of their locomotives. ELP is committed to sustainability and utilise advanced technology to reduce their environmental impact while improving operational performance. ELP’s experienced team of professionals prioritises safety, reliability, and cost-effectiveness to exceed customer expectations.
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Press contact European Loc Pool:
Henrike Wilkens
Marketing & Communications
E-mail: henrike.wilkens@europeanlocpool.com
