German Rail (DB) granted Evraz a preliminary certificate in 2012 for field testing of its wheels. With the VUZ certification Evraz will export the first batch of BA 318 wheels to Germany in the first quarter of 2014.

Evraz is also applying for the certification of other types of freight wagon wheels for the European market, and is working on expanding its' product line for the North American market. The company produces more than 20 types of railway wheels, including designs for freight wagons and passenger coaches, metro trains, specialised rolling stock, and locomotives.

"Expanding our product portfolio as required by foreign consumers is a strategic target for Evraz, and this order of BA 318 wheels for DB is an important step forward in achieving this," says Mr Ilya Shirokobrod, vice-president and head of Evraz's Railway Products Division.