Dmitry Medvedev’s speech at the ceremony:

Dear friends, I’m very glad to see all of you. Thank you for inviting me. Today is a good day, a memorable day, because we can see the new electric locomotive that you will now produce. Of course, this is important not only for your plant, but for our entire country as well. I’m particularly pleased to note the positive changes that have taken place in the last few years. We are no longer in a deplorable position, but are producing a large number of electric locomotives that are so needed for our railways and production.

I have read that in all, your plant has produced more than 16,000 electric locomotives in the years of its operation. This is a major figure, which testifies to your glorious history. Importantly, you are continuing to produce them, and your plant did not ground to a halt like many other enterprises did in the 1990s.

Your plant is a modern enterprise with very good prospects. New orders will enhance its production capacity. I’m sure you will carry out your plans. I have also looked at the plant’s production growth – the figures are very impressive. The amount of orders is also on the upsurge – in 2011 you produced electric locomotives worth 16 billion roubles, and this year the relevant figure will exceed 23 billion roubles. Next year you plan to bring it to 31 billion roubles.

It is not just the amount of money that matters. Our economy needs these locomotives, and their production pays for your plant and your salaries. I hope that the plant owners will take this into account in creating your working conditions, and that your family budget will grow accordingly.

Any new development is the result of complex and strenuous efforts. You know this better than anyone. We are developing new technology together with our foreign partners. I’d like to thank our colleagues from Alstom Transport for their contribution to the development of a new and promising model, which will be in high demand both in the Russian Federation and abroad for years to come. It will be a visiting card of your plant and will help achieve our country’s goals.

I would like to congratulate you cordially on this very important event, and wish you good cheer and decent salaries. I hope everything works out for us. Congratulations to everyone!

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The fifth generation EP20 electric locomotive is the first Russian-made passenger locomotive that can travel at speeds up to 200 km/h. There will also be a version of the locomotive available that can travel at speeds up to 160 km/h.

The locomotive is equipped with an automatic driving system, as well as GLONASS and GPRS satellite navigation systems. The locomotive can be used at temperatures ranging from -50°C to +40°C.

The locomotive’s cab, which was inspected by the Prime Minister, features climate control and is equipped to conform with modern sanitary standards and safety requirements.