Alstom, a global leader in smart and sustainable mobility, has unveiled a new baby statuette in front of the signaling site in Katowice, Poland. Katowice-based artist Grzegorz Chudy This latest sculpture, designed and produced by Alstom, has taken its place at the main entrance of Alstom's office at 12 Modelarska Street.
Zwusik: A Salute to Signaling Expertise
The figurine stands next to a railway signal and operates a device used to control train traffic. This detail is a direct reference to the specialization of Alstom’s Katowice facility, one of Europe’s largest manufacturers of modern railway signaling systems and equipment. The facility is responsible for the design, product development, testing, production, delivery, installation and maintenance of these systems.
Adam Juretko, General Manager of Alstom Poland Katowice Branch, expressed his pleasure in welcoming the new Bebok and said, “Together with the entire Alstom team, we welcome the new Bebok in front of our Katowice signaling site. Zwusik “The name was suggested by employees in an internal naming contest and then chosen by a company-wide vote,” Juretko said. Juretko emphasized that this statuette is the 100th bebok scattered around Katowice and that they joined them just before the company’s 100th anniversary. He also said: “We are proud that Zwusik will serve as a reminder of the enormous contribution of our employees over the generations to the development of Katowice industry. We invite all Katowice residents and tourists to visit Zwusik and discover the fascinating history of Polish railways.”
The Deep Past and Future of Alstom Katowice
The Bebok launch coincides with the planned 100th anniversary of Alstom’s Katowice operations next year. The company was founded in 1926 in Wełnowiec, now a district of Katowice. Zachodnio-Polska Budowa Telefonów (Zapotel) In the 1960s, the company, initially focusing on telephone equipment, expanded into railway signalling systems and Zakłady Wytwórcze Urządzeń Sygnalizacyjnych (ZWUS) This abbreviation is still used by many Katowice residents and railway professionals. For decades, rail traffic control devices from the Katowice facility have been used throughout Poland, ensuring smooth railway operations.
The company has operated as part of the Alstom Group since 2021. It currently employs around 1.000 people, including highly qualified engineers, electronics specialists and electromechanics who develop innovative technologies to ensure the safety and efficiency of rail traffic.
Head of Investor Services Department of the City of Katowice Mariusz Jankowski “Another baby in our city reminds us not only of our deep-rooted industrial heritage, but above all of the groundbreaking innovations and technologies currently being created in Katowice. Solutions and IT systems are being developed in our city, which enable trains in many countries to move safely and efficiently. We are proud of this and happy about the great contribution of the Alstom site and team to the development of Katowice.”
Symbols of Katowice: Babies and Tourism
Small open-air bebok figurines have been appearing in Katowice since 2021. Over time, they have become symbols of the Silesian capital and a way to celebrate local community ties. Each figurine is unique and depicts a friendly creature with attributes or attire specific to its location. Many tourists visiting Katowice follow the **Bebok Trail**, take photos and “Baby Hunter” collects stamps that can be exchanged for a badge. This interactive tourism experience strengthens the cultural identity of the city while offering visitors a fun opportunity to discover it.
Alstom’s new bebok figurine “Zwusik” celebrates the company’s expertise in railway signalling and Katowice’s industrial heritage in a fun and interactive way. It is a testament to Alstom’s efforts to integrate with the local community and its vision to embrace both the city’s past and future.
