Alstom Logo

Alstom is a global leader in transportation systems. Engineers and business leaders in France established the company. They created it to innovate in transport technology and infrastructure. Its purpose spans designing, producing, and servicing locomotives and rail equipment.

Meaning and history

Alstom began its journey in 1928 as a merger of several French engineering companies. This strategic unification aimed to enhance the development of locomotives and electrical engineering. Key dates include 1989 when Alstom merged with the UK’s General Electric Company plc, forming GEC Alsthom. The company was renamed Alstom in 1998, emphasizing its independent global brand. Alstom expanded by acquiring Bombardier Transportation in 2021, significantly broadening its product range and market presence.

What is Alstom?
Alstom is a multinational company specializing in transport systems. Primarily known for its advanced rail vehicles, Alstom also offers a range of services for the transport sector. Its innovations contribute significantly to sustainable mobility worldwide.

1928 – 1930

The logo displayed here is a bold, vintage design featuring the words in large, black letters. The typography uses thick, slightly irregular block letters that create a robust and industrial feel. A thin horizontal line runs above and below the text, framing it neatly and adding a sense of completeness to the design. The use of periods between “ALS” and “THOM” lends a distinct visual element, separating the syllables in a stylistic manner. The overall look is straightforward yet memorable, embodying a classic industrial aesthetic.

1930 – 1961

The updated logo retains the strong industrial feel but streamlines the design. The “ALS.THOM” now merges into “ALSTHOM,” signifying a more unified brand. The font has transitioned to a cleaner and more defined typeface, with sharper edges and more uniform character spacing. Notably, the periods have been removed, facilitating a smoother visual flow. The letters now possess a subtle shadow effect, adding depth and a contemporary touch to the design. This evolution reflects a modernizing approach while maintaining the brand’s robust identity.

1961 – 1976

This logo takes a significant creative turn with a stark, geometric design. Dominated by a large, stylized “A” that frames the word “ALSTHOM”, the logo employs negative space and angular lines to achieve a modern and industrial look. The word “ALSTHOM” itself is now placed horizontally at the base of the “A,” maintaining a clean and minimalistic style. The design departs from the previous uniform typography and instead opts for a bold, architectural shape that captures attention and symbolizes strength and innovation. This evolution marks a distinct shift towards a more visually impactful and contemporary branding approach.

1976 – 1980

This logo cleverly incorporates two letter “A”s using geometric shapes and negative space, creating a dynamic and abstract design. The interplay of black and white adds a stark, visual contrast that enhances its modern aesthetic. This design not only stands out due to its creativity but also symbolizes advancement and precision, reflecting the innovative spirit of the company it represents. The overlapping elements suggest connectivity and integration, key aspects in the realm of advanced engineering and technology.

1980 – 1985

This logo marks a return to clear textual representation, starkly different from the previous abstract design. It features the full name “ALSTHOM ATLANTIQUE” in bold, black letters. The text is straightforward, with a clean, sans-serif font that conveys clarity and professionalism. Below the text, two horizontal red bars add a pop of color, enhancing the logo’s visibility and boldness. This design signifies a clear, easily recognizable brand identity, emphasizing stability and strength through simplicity and the striking contrast of black text against red elements.

1985 – 1989

The logo retains the name “ALSTHOM” but simplifies further, dropping “ATLANTIQUE”. The text remains bold and black, emphasizing straightforwardness and readability. The design keeps the red horizontal bars, but now features one thicker and one thinner, enhancing visual interest and hierarchy. The color contrast remains, with the vivid red providing a dynamic pop against the solid black text. This minimalist approach underlines a modern and efficient corporate identity, focusing on clarity and impactful branding with its clean lines and stark color contrast.

1989 – 1991

The logo incorporates “GEC” at the beginning, signaling a merger or significant partnership. The font remains bold and black, consistent with its direct and impactful branding strategy. The design simplifies to one striking red horizontal bar beneath the text, maintaining visual clarity and focus. This change represents a strategic rebranding, aligning with broader corporate shifts and possibly expanding the company’s international presence. The added text, “GEC”, alters the visual rhythm but keeps the logo’s commanding presence.

1991 – 1998

This logo evolution introduces a new, sophisticated element with an orange triangle above “GEC ALSTHOM”. The typeface has been refined and modernized, featuring sleek, sans-serif letters. The company name is now aligned more spaciously, and the orange hue in the triangle adds a vibrant, energetic touch, symbolizing innovation and forward-thinking. Two orange lines replace the previously singular red line, enhancing the design’s dynamism and visual appeal. This refreshed look positions the brand as both contemporary and rooted in a strong, progressive identity.

1998 – Today

The logo has transitioned to a more streamlined and modern design, emphasizing clarity and contemporary aesthetics. “ALSTOM” is now presented in a sleek, navy-blue sans-serif typeface, showing a more refined and professional look. The significant addition is the red circular motif on the ‘O’, symbolizing movement, energy, and the dynamism of the company’s core business in transportation. This graphic element adds a visual punch, making the logo more distinctive and memorable. The overall design conveys Alstom’s commitment to innovation and its forward-looking approach in the global market.