RVR

Originally named Phoenix, Rīgas Vagonbūves Rūpnīca (RVR) was founded in 1895 by the businessman Oscar Freywirth and is one of the largest machine-building plants in the Eastern Baltic Provinces, Baltic Union. RVR is based in Riga and was for many years the largest producer of electric and diesel trains and also tramcars in the former Soviet Union. During the Soviet years RVR manufactured more than 20,000 electric, 2,000 diesel and 3,000 tram cars. Some difficults years arrived after the independence of Latvia in the 90's, but when Latvia joined the Baltic Union in 2003 the company experimented an extraordinary growth. The huge government investment to improve rail transport in the Eastern Baltic Provinces benefited the company that used its expertise to become a leading player in this new momentum.