Mennens and NS Haarlem are building towards the railway of the future

At NS Train Modernisation in Haarlem, work is carried out every day on the trains of tomorrow. In the workshop, passenger trains are modernised and prepared for the future. With the arrival of new rolling stock types, the NS fleet is expanding — and the way of working is changing as well.

To maintain all this new rolling stock safely and efficiently, NS Haarlem is building a new multiple-unit maintenance hall. For this hall, Mennens is supplying a total of eleven Europont cranes in two phases. It is a project where collaboration, customisation, and mutual trust play a central role.

New trains, new technical challenges

The introduction of modern rolling stock brings several important technical changes. For example, the bogies are built and constructed differently than on older trains. In addition, train car bodies are increasingly made from aluminium instead of traditional steel. Many crucial components are now placed in modular systems on the roof — such as air-conditioning units, converters, and other technical installations.

Thanks to this modern design, minor overhauls and common repair work can be carried out more efficiently on a single track. As a result, trains spend less time out of service, and activities can be planned more compactly and purposefully. However, to make this possible in a safe and practical way, adapted lifting equipment is required, along with secure and easy access to the roof-mounted modules. The existing building in Haarlem was not designed for this. Therefore, NS decided to build a new maintenance hall with four tracks, where intensive lifting operations with cranes can be performed.

Trust built on past cooperation

Mennens is no stranger to NS in Haarlem. In the past, Mennens supplied several Europont cranes that have proven to perform very well in practice. The positive feedback from users and the reliability of the cranes were important reasons for NS to choose Mennens again.

At the end of 2024, Mennens received the order for the second part of the project: the delivery of seven additional cranes for the new maintenance hall. This assignment built on the first phase, which included four cranes. Phase 1 was successfully completed in May 2025. With the seven cranes in phase 2, the total number supplied to NS Train Modernisation Haarlem now reaches eleven.

Tight planning and working in a complex environment

Installing seven overhead cranes in a new hall is far from a standard job. The work took place in a dynamic environment where multiple parties were operating simultaneously and strict safety requirements applied. At the same time, NS needed to continue its regular operations as much as possible.

Together with Faber, and in close consultation with NS, a detailed work plan was drawn up. This included the required site access permits for all personnel, a clear division of tasks, phased scheduling of activities, and a comprehensive Task Risk Assessment (TRA) focused on safe lifting and installation. Environmental conditions — such as limited space and the presence of other ongoing work — were also carefully considered during preparation.

This thorough preparation paid off. In just two days, the seven cranes were assembled and positioned on the crane runways. Such a performance is only possible through excellent coordination, clear communication, and a shared focus on safety and quality.

From installation to commissioning

With the cranes now in place in the new maintenance hall, the next phase begins: final assembly, testing, and commissioning. During this stage, the cranes are fine-tuned, controls and safety systems are inspected and tested, and usability for NS technicians is evaluated. Extensive final checks are carried out to ensure compliance with all relevant standards and safety requirements.

After completion, NS Train Modernisation Haarlem will have modern lifting solutions fully tailored to servicing the new rolling stock. This enables more efficient work on and around the trains, provides safe and convenient access to roof modules, and allows the cranes to be deployed flexibly for overhaul, repair, and replacement tasks.

Collaboration as the foundation for success

This project demonstrates how Mennens and NS strengthen one another. NS contributes extensive practical knowledge of modern train maintenance and knows exactly what is required on the workshop floor. Mennens translates those needs into reliable lifting solutions and an efficient installation process. Together with partners such as Faber, the execution is organised with precision, always keeping safety, planning, and quality in focus.

The cranes will soon be officially handed over, and NS Train Modernisation Haarlem can then fully put the new hall into operation. For Mennens, this marks another successful project in the railway sector — and above all, a collaboration we look back on with great pride.