2026 is a very special year for EKE-Electronics, marking our 40th Anniversary. This milestone reflects four decades of work in developing reliable train automation solutions for customers worldwide. The company has grown from humble beginnings in Finland to becoming a trusted partner for rolling stock manufacturers and rail operators across six continents. Our story is defined by expertise, commitment, and quality. This anniversary gives us the chance to celebrate our history.
Engineering Roots
The EKE story began in 1961 when Bertel Ekengren founded an engineering office focused on structural design. In the early years, EKE contributed to landmark Finnish projects such as Ratina Stadium, Sibelius Monument, and Helsinki City Theatre. By the 1970s, EKE had grown into a multidisciplinary design firm. EKE designs include the Helsinki Exhibition & Convention Centre and the Wärtsilä dry dock.
EKE was also among the first Finnish companies to own a computer. The early system was used to develop payroll software for construction firms. A bold move that demonstrated a forward-thinking approach, even if it came with challenges. Those experiences laid the foundation for EKE’s adaptability and technical ambition.
Applying Factory Automation
The EKE Group expanded in the mid-1980s with the acquisition of KLT Electronics. This new business unit became EKE-Electronics. The decision to invest in high technology was hardly a surprise. Bertel Ekengren once remarked that electronics had always been his lifelong public passion.
A turning point came in 1987 when EKE-Electronics collaborated with the Finnish railway operator VR to trial the EKENET local area network on passenger trains. EKENET was a data transmission system that allowed process equipment to operate as one integrated unit.
VR proposed a live test at Helsinki’s Pasila railway yard. The test was observed by distinguished representatives from European railway companies. The aim was to see whether a signal could be transmitted over the operator’s unreliable, interference-prone cable across 22 carriages. When the equipment was connected and the power switched on, everything worked. The data bus functioned perfectly.
The successful test set in motion the development of the EKE‑Trainnet® Train Control and Management System (TCMS). It established the collaborative, customer‑driven way of working that continues to define EKE-Electronics today.
From EKE’s Train Bus to a Global Standard
EKE-Electronics’ first TCMS solution was implemented across the new fleet of VR Intercity carriages between 1988 and 1990. More than 60 systems were delivered. It provided VR with the world’s first functional data bus capable of:
- linking separate carriages into a single technical entity,
- identifying individual cars, and
- opening all doors on the same side simultaneously, regardless of coupling.
The system monitored technical functions from locomotives to brakes. It alerted both the driver and the depot at the first signs of wear or faults, enabling quick repairs and keeping trains in service. It also centralised control of heating, air conditioning, lighting, and passenger services such as electronic displays and announcements.
A VR representative at the time described it as “one of the world’s finest train systems.” That achievement helped establish EKE-Electronics’ train network as the foundation for a global standard.
Going Global: From London to Australia
EKE‑Electronics entered the global stage in 1990. Train management systems were delivered to London Underground’s Central Line and Eurotunnel car shuttle trains. Soon after, an unexpected twist helped open doors on the other side of the world.
A Finnish-born engineer working for an Australian train manufacturer spotted an EKE-Electronics advertisement in a railway magazine. The ad featured Finland’s iconic rock band, the Leningrad Cowboys, and its bold, humorous style stood out. Impressed by the creativity and convinced of EKE-Electronics’ capabilities, he reached out. This sparked a partnership that led to projects in Queensland, and later in Newcastle, Melbourne, and Sydney.
This moment shows how thinking differently and adding a touch of Finnish culture helped EKE‑Electronics grow into a truly global player.
In the early 2000s, EKE-Electronics introduced its new IP-based train management system. This development set a new standard for digital train control. The progress led to a landmark achievement in 2007, when the company delivered the world’s first fully Ethernet-based trains to Transport for NSW, Australia. The initial order of 78 trainsets marked the largest rolling stock procurement in Australia’s history. The power of IP-based technology was showcased. In 2010, EKE-Electronics brought this innovation to São Paulo Metro in Brazil. The upgrade created the world’s first metro system fully equipped with IP‑based train management technology.
The end of the decade saw EKE-Electronics working with London Underground for the Central Line refurbishment project. The contract replaced the original 1990s Data Transmission System. At the time, this was the largest contract in the company’s history and a flagship achievement that reinforced EKE-Electronics’ position as a trusted partner for complex train automation systems.
Building a Legacy of Safety in Train Automation
EKE-Electronics received its first SIL certification in 2010 for a speedometer. This milestone established the foundation for a long‑term focus on safety‑critical technology. EKE‑Electronics expanded its SIL portfolio with the Hot Axle Box Detector (HABD), which was launched in 2014. Automatic Selective Door Operation (ASDO) followed in 2016 and has since been widely adopted. underscoring its reliability and global acceptance.
SIL safety solutions grew significantly during the 2020s. Current systems include vigilance control systems, lateral acceleration monitoring, advanced communication solutions, monitoring technologies and more. This growth has established EKE-Electronics as a global leader in train automation safety systems. A position demonstrated by the fact that most major train manufacturers worldwide rely on EKE- Electronics’ SIL 2 safety solutions.
Growing safety requirements also led to systems compatible with signalling technologies, including the European Train Control System. Looking ahead, the company recognises the growing importance of digital resilience in modern train automation systems. Work continues on strengthening cybersecurity across Train Communication Networks.
Strategic Partnership
EKE-Electronics expanded its global footprint in 2013 with the opening of its Shanghai office. This strengthens its presence in the China market. The acquisition of UK‑based Humaware in 2019 added predictive maintenance capabilities to the portfolio. These strategic moves have reinforced EKE-Electronics’ role in delivering smarter, safer, and more efficient train automation systems worldwide.
Mitsubishi Electric became a minority shareholder in 2020. The partnership broadened the company’s offering and supported global customer projects.
Reflecting on 40 Years
Today, EKE‑Electronics operates from its headquarters in Espoo as part of the family owned EKE Group. The company focuses on long-term train automation solutions for rolling stock manufacturers and operators worldwide. Over 40,000 EKE-Trainnet® systems are installed on trains in 31 countries spanning six continents.
“Celebrating 40 years is a proud moment for EKE‑Electronics. From our first EKE‑Trainnet® delivery in Finland to projects across six continents, our reputation has been built on reliability, technical excellence and strong customer relationships. Our commitment to sustainability and quality guides every decision we make. We approach technology with curiosity and craftsmanship, the Finnish way, steady, straightforward, and grounded in quiet confidence. As we enter the next chapter, we will continue to develop high‑end electronic solutions with the same customer focus that has defined us, serving rolling stock manufacturers and rail operators worldwide with teams whose deep expertise shows in every product we build.”
Marko Mäkinen, CEO, EKE-Electronics
To our customers, partners, and dedicated team, thank you for being part of this journey.