CZ LOKO’s Josef Gulyás to Discuss Future of Czech Locomotive Manufacturing
Josef Gulyás, the General Director of CZ LOKO, will be the featured guest on the upcoming episode of the Cesty Zdopravy.cz podcast. The interview, scheduled to be released on Friday, March 13, 2026, will delve into the company’s past decade under Gulyás’s leadership and its future direction.
CZ LOKO: From Repair to Innovation
CZ LOKO has evolved significantly from its origins as a company focused on modernizing and repairing older locomotives in Česká Třebová. Today, the company primarily manufactures new locomotives at its Jihlava plant, establishing itself as the sole Czech manufacturer of locomotives following Škoda’s exit from the sector.
Strategic Partnerships and Growth
In recent years, CZ LOKO has expanded its operations through strategic partnerships, including the acquisition of Jan Paroubek Jr.’s WYNX Pool, now operating as PARI CZ Servis, based in Kutná Hora. This move has strengthened CZ LOKO’s position in the railway repair market.
Overcoming Challenges and Achieving Success
The company has navigated significant challenges, including a pivotal order for 40 modernized locomotives for Italy, which founder Josef Bárta described as a “turning point” for the company’s survival. CZ LOKO has also experienced a period of strong order fulfillment, with production capacity fully booked for several years. The company’s locomotives are now operating in diverse environments, including below -45 degrees Celsius in Finland.
Current Projects and Future Developments
CZ LOKO is currently engaged in several key projects, including substantial investments in its Jihlava plant, fulfilling large-scale orders for ČD Cargo, and the development of a dual locomotive. The company has also faced challenges related to the COVID-19 pandemic and the impact of the war in Ukraine on the railway segment.
Podcast Discussion and Audience Participation
The Cesty Zdopravy.cz podcast will explore these topics and more, including CZ LOKO’s experience with ETCS (European Train Control System) in its EffiShunter locomotives and the progress of its dual locomotive approval. Listeners are encouraged to submit questions for Josef Gulyás through the comments section until Monday evening.