2026 is a very special year for EKE-Electronics as we celebrate our 40th Anniversary. This is a milestone that reflects decades of dedication to developing reliable train automation solutions for customers worldwide. 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. Marking 40 years 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, using it to develop payroll software for construction firms. A bold move that demonstrated a forward-thinking approach, even if it came with challenges. These experiences laid the foundation for EKE’s adaptability and technical ambition.
Applying Factory Automation
In the mid-1980s, the EKE Group expanded with a new business unit through the acquisition of KLT Electronics, which became EKE-Electronics. The decision to invest in high technology was hardly a surprise. Bertel Ekengren, who had studied engineering at university, 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, developed by EKE-Automation, 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, 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) and 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, with more than 60 systems 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 and 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 by supplying train management systems for London Underground’s Central Line and for 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, sparking 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, setting a new standard for digital train control. This breakthrough 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 and showcased the power of IP-based technology. In 2010, EKE-Electronics brought this innovation to Brazil, renovating the São Paulo Metro and transforming it into the world’s first metro system equipped with IP-based train management.
The end of the decade saw EKE-Electronics working with London Underground once more when it secured the Central Line refurbishment project to replace the original Data Transmission System from the 90s. 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
In 2010, EKE-Electronics received its first SIL certification for a speedometer, marking the start of its journey into safety-critical technology and establishing the foundation for future developments. Building on this achievement, the company began developing various SIL functionalities, such as the on-board Hot Axle Box Detector (HABD), which was launched in 2014. Two years later, EKE-Electronics introduced Automatic Selective Door Operation (ASDO), which has become a widely adopted technology, underscoring its reliability and global acceptance.
Throughout the 2020s, EKE-Electronics significantly broadened its portfolio of SIL safety systems. Today, the range has been extended to 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.
As the demand for enhanced safety grew, EKE-Electronics expanded its onboard solutions to include systems compatible with signalling systems such as the European Train Control System (ETCS). Looking ahead, the company is focused on strengthening cybersecurity for Train Communication Networks, recognising the growing importance of digital resilience in modern train automation systems.
Strategic Partnership
EKE-Electronics expanded its global footprint in 2013 with the opening of its Shanghai office, strengthening its presence in the China market. Six years later, the company acquired Humaware, a UK-based specialist in condition monitoring, adding advanced predictive maintenance capabilities to its offering. These strategic moves have reinforced EKE-Electronics’ role in delivering smarter, safer, and more efficient train automation systems worldwide.
The following year, in 2020, Mitsubishi Electric became a minority shareholder, a partnership that broadened EKE-Electronics’ portfolio and enhanced its ability to deliver practical solutions to customers across the globe.
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.