Signalling: plant and cabins
Our experience
GCF - thanks to the IS segment - designs, builds and tests signalling plant for management and control of rail and metro traffic.
Our own Design Division boasts highly specialised tools and human resources. It is able to develop and ensure preliminary, executive and construction design of signalling systems.
GCF designs, tests and builds:
- ACEI (Apparati Centrali Elettrici a pulsanti d’Itinerario, Electrical Inter-Locking Apparatus with Itinerary buttons) plant;
- BACC (Blocco Automatico a Correnti Codificate, Automatic Coded Current Block) plant;
- CTC ( Controllo del Traffico Centralizzato, Centralised Traffic Control) plant;
- PLL control and manoeuvre systems;
- Study and development of electronic and electromechanical equipment designed to ensure safety;
- Electrical control panels;
- Telecommunication and data transmission networks;
- Metal structure work (cabinets, frames, cantilevers, gantries).
Our philosophy
GCF S.p.A. works with leading companies in the rail sector, providing specialised personnel for the installation, calibration, verification and commissioning of innovative plant such as ACC and ACCM.
Close cooperation between design and installation departments means that GCF can supply turnkey plant, thereby ranking as a single interlocutor for customers and coordinating all operational stages in the process, from construction to installation, testing and commissioning.
Our competitive edge
Our specialists provide support and maintenance for the following activities:
- Numbering and automatic check-list for plant in accordance with the standards required by Technique Standard 717 (Italian Railway Network);
- Technical verification and commissioning of plant installations;
- Assistance, activation and maintenance of conventional and innovative plant.
Some GCF and Group Companies construction sites
Signalling: Milan Metro, Line 1
Turnkey design and supply of the equipment needed to install the new signalling and automation system on Milan Metro Line 1.
The signalling system was completely renovated following work on all ACEI cabins.
Customer: ATM S.p.A. Work performed in a Temporary Business Association with Alstom.
ACEI Bari-Matera line
Work to improve rail transport safety on the network in the Apulia and Basilicata Regions.
Tender contract awarded by FAL (Ferrovie Appule Lucane S.r.l.).
ACEI (Apparati Centrali Elettrici d’Itinerario, Electrical Inter-Locking Itinerary Apparatus) signalling systems were implemented in Venusio, Villalongo and Matera stations.
GCF S.p.A. also designed, built and installed - for the entire Bari-Matera line - the CTC (Centralized Traffic Control).
Signalling: Saronno-Seregno line
Executive design and execution of all works, tasks, services and supplies related to and in any case necessary for the redevelopment of the Saronno-Seregno line.
The integrated project involved design and installation of the signalling system, lighting and drive power plant, electric tration, telecommunications system.
Tender contract awarded by Ferrovie Nord Milano S.p.A. Works performed in a Temporary Business Association with Salcef.
IS Plant Lecce-Fasano line
Executive design and execution of construction works for IS Plant, Civil Works, Lighting and Drive Power Plant, Superstructures and Electric Traction to equip the Fasano-Lecce line with a Centralised Traffic control system (CTC).
Tender contract awarded by ITALFERR S.p.A. Works carried out in a Temporary Business Association with Ceit, Comesvil, Fersalento.
ACEI Villaselva
Design and construction of ACEI plant and TLC telecommunications plant in the goods yard at Villa Selva (Bologna-Rimini line).
Tender activities included the design and execution of a remote-controlled ACEI system with manoeuvring signalling conforming to layout I/016 II series according to V401 layout principles.
Tender contract awarded by RFI S.p.A.
LCP Systems (Level Crossing Protection)
The proprietary GCF Level Crossing Protection (LCP) system for radar-based PAI-PL applications ensures the safety of vehicles and railway trains at level crossings.
Contracts and framework agreements enable its installation at hundreds of level crossings throughout Italy:
• Framework agreement for the supply of 80 PAI-PL systems – RFI
• Framework agreement for technical support, maintenance, repair, installation, upgrade and reconfiguration services for proprietary GCF technology systems – RFI
• Contract for technological upgrading with PAI-PL system on the BA-TA and Mungivacca-Putignano lines – FSE
• Framework agreement for the design, implementation of PAI-PL systems and related maintenance and assistance services 2025–27 – RFI
Signalling: other projects
ACEI, ACC, ACCM, PL systems, systems and cabins have been designed, built and developed for Rete Ferroviaria Italiana (RFI), Ferrovie Sud-Est (FSE), Metropolitana Milanese (MM), Ferrovie Nord Milano (FNME), Ferrovie Emilia Romagna (FER).