Since 2014, the company "Next Level Commercial Ltd", based in Sofia, has been distributing Galland products. For this renowned supplier, Galland know-how, particularly in the manufacture of the AERO tensioner, has given new impetus to railway electrification in Bulgaria! Interview with Svetoslav Atanasov, Director of Next Level Commercial.
What sector does your company operate in?
Our company with 6 employees has been specializing in the trade of materials and products for the construction of railways and electricity transmission networks since 2013. We supply a complete range of catenary products, both for the railway network and the urban transport network. We are official representatives for Bulgaria of specialized manufacturers such as LAFARGA (Spain), RAUSCHER & STOECKLIN (Switzerland), and of course GALLAND.
Perfectly identified on the Bulgarian market, NLC has supplied equipment for numerous projects financed by both European funds and local Bulgarian funds.
What is the situation of the railway market in Sofia and Bulgaria?
Sofia, where our headquarters is located, is the capital and largest city of the country with a population of 1.3 million. It is also a major hub for international rail and transport in general. 3 of the 10 pan-European transport corridors pass through it!
What are the development opportunities in the country?
The total length of railway lines in Bulgaria is 4,029 km, of which 2,871 km are electrified. Currently, the railway construction market is growing and the long-awaited modernization is underway. This high-speed development is even outpacing the construction of roads and other transport sectors.
How are you supporting this development with the Galland products?
At the beginning of 2020, we started supplying the AERO oleopneumatic tensioner, manufactured by Galland. This device is unique in its kind because it provides constant tension to the catenary by automatically compensating for length changes due to temperature variations. And all this without counterweights! This innovative product has accompanied the new momentum of NLC and Galland customers in the construction of their networks. AERO has been successfully installed on many railway projects in Bulgaria.
What do you share with Galland?
Excellent business relationships, but also shared values. Like Galland, NLC relies on an essential resource: the know-how and experience of its employees.
