Table of Contents
Key Points
- Elsewedy Electric wins Egypt high-speed rail HVAC contract with Hitachi, boosting its infrastructure and energy footprint.
- The 660-km rail megaproject to move 1 million passengers, 8,500 tons of cargo daily across major Egyptian cities.
- Ahmed El-Sewedy-led firm posts $1.2 billion Q1 revenue, expands MENA presence with Qatar, THOMASSEN Service deals.
Elsewedy Electric, the Egyptian cable and electrical equipment company led by Ahmed El-Sewedy, has landed a major contract for Egypt’s high-speed rail project. Through its trading division, Elsewedy Machinery, the company will work with Johnson Controls–Hitachi Air Conditioning MEA to deliver a large-scale HVAC system for the 660-kilometer network.
Hitachi will provide more than 3,000 high-efficiency VRF units, built in Barcelona and tailored to handle Egypt’s climate. The system will deliver over 11,000 Refrigeration Tons of cooling power and is certified by Eurovent. It’s one of the largest HVAC installations in Egypt and will play a key role in keeping the country’s new rail system comfortable and energy-efficient.
Elsewedy, Hitachi join megaproject delivery
Egypt’s high-speed rail line—connecting Ain Sokhna, Alamein, Cairo, Alexandria, and 6th of October City—will serve 21 stations and handle over 1 million passengers and 8,500 tons of cargo daily. The line is expected to cut travel time, improve logistics, and boost economic activity across the country.
“This megaproject reflects Egypt’s commitment to modern, efficient, and climate-resilient infrastructure,” said Ahmed Aqel, GM of Johnson Controls–Hitachi MEA. “We're proud to contribute innovative HVAC systems for a project of this magnitude with Elsewedy Machinery.” Elsewedy will handle the full HVAC delivery scope—supply, copper piping installation, start-up, commissioning, and after-sales service—ensuring seamless execution.
El-Sewedy’s expanding footprint in energy and infrastructure
Founded in 1938, Elsewedy Electric has evolved into a regional powerhouse with operations in 19 countries and assets exceeding $5 billion. The El-Sewedy family owns 68.1 percent of the company, with CEO Ahmed El-Sewedy personally holding a 25.52 percent stake, highlighting tight-knit family control and long-term strategy.
Under Ahmed El-Sewedy, the company recently reported a 31.3 percent year-on-year jump in Q1 2025 revenue to EGP59.4 billion ($1.2 billion). Net profit rose 4.2 percent to EGP4.15 billion ($83.9 million), driven by infrastructure investments and regional project wins.
Qatar deal boosts Elsewedy’s Gulf presence
In May, Elsewedy Electric acquired a 60 percent stake in THOMASSEN SERVICE, enhancing its energy solutions portfolio in the Middle East and Africa. It also inked a QAR1 billion ($274.7 million) deal with Qatar General Electricity & Water Corporation (Kahramaa), through its Qatari arm, Elsewedy Cables Qatar, further solidifying its regional energy presence.