VLI Expands Railway Workshop in Cariacica, Strengthening Freight Operations on the Vitória-Minas Railway

VLI completed the expansion of its workshop in Cariacica, Espírito Santo, in October, marking another key step toward operating as a Rail Freight Transport Agent (ATF-C) using the infrastructure of the Vitória-Minas Railway (EFVM). With an investment of R$60 million, the upgraded facility will be able to accommodate locomotives for preventive maintenance and minor corrective repairs, improving operational efficiency along the rail corridor connecting Espírito Santo and Minas Gerais.

Following the expansion, the facility will have the infrastructure to manufacture parts and components for railcars, in addition to performing maintenance and repairs, allowing it to handle an average of 300 service jobs per year. The project created 60 new operational and support positions at the facility, adding to its existing workforce of approximately 180 employees.

The inauguration of the expanded Cariacica workshop is part of a broader R$600 million business plan designed to enable VLI to operate under the ATF-C model, a regulatory option introduced in 2022 to foster competition in the logistics sector. As part of the operational transition, which began in late 2024, VLI acquired 50 locomotives and 1,000 railcars. The company also began providing operational services at 17 rail yards and operating trains carrying general cargo under contracts established through the new model.

Overall, the project has already created approximately 650 direct jobs across Espírito Santo and Minas Gerais, contributing to the implementation of a pioneering model of integrated operations between a railway concessionaire and a Rail Freight Transport Agent. “The completion of the work in Cariacica demonstrates our commitment to improving efficiency and logistics integration. By taking direct responsibility for maintaining our assets, we ensure greater fleet availability and shorter downtime, which translates into increased competitiveness for our customers’ supply chains,” said Daniel Schaffazick, VLI’s Director of Operations for the Eastern Corridor.

Training and Gender Inclusion

VLI’s operational expansion also places a strong emphasis on professional training and inclusion. The company addressed the challenge of finding qualified workers by hiring people with no previous experience in the railway sector and giving them the opportunity to learn a new trade. Technical training, tailored to the specific requirements of the industry, was conducted primarily by VLI, with all newly hired employees receiving training and additional support provided through courses offered by Senai in Espírito Santo.

Diversity is another central pillar of the project. Women account for an average of 25% of all hires, rising to 30% of the workforce operating along the railway network. Their growing presence is particularly evident in technical positions, including mechanics, electricians, and Maintenance Planning and Control (PCM) technicians.

Source: VLI Logística