A few years ago, French rail operator SNCF decided to relocate its technicentre in Lyon. This is its only industrial facility outside Paris dedicated to the maintenance of the TGV high-speed trainsets. Historically, it was located in the Oullins workshops, whose construction dates back to the 19th century. As the buildings no longer met health and safety standards, SNCF began building a new technicentre in Vénissieux in July 2018, in compliance with group environmental policy.

A major challenge for our staff

Idex Rhône Auvergne was involved in building the new SNCF technicentre, designed to maintain 60 TGV Duplex double-decker trains. This was a major challenge for our construction team: the site includes 4,000 m2 of administrative offices, 3,000 m2 for engineering and 32,000 m2 for industrial activities, which had to be equipped with HVAC and plumbing systems tailored to the needs of each building.

Controlling energy consumption

Our 15-strong installation team worked at the technicentre for almost a year. For the HVAC system, we installed a direct expansion air conditioning system in the two office buildings of 3,000 and 4,000 m2, making a total of 265 units. For a controlled and more even distribution of heat and cold, we installed a fabric duct network with 16 rooftop units in the workshops. This is more efficient than the conventional sheet metal ducting. Our staff were also in charge of the compressed air installations for the industrial utilities.

+ 4,000 m² of administrative offices 

+ 3,000 m² for engineering  

32,000 m² for industrial activities

265 units installed