The specialist in rail signalling and integrated systems for passenger and freight rail networks for more than 120 years.
In 2024, CSEE is joining MERMEC Group.
Sustainable development
Transport is at the heart of today’s climate challenges, accounting for around a quarter of total CO2 emissions in the European Union. Reducing these emissions is essential if we are to achieve the climate targets set by the Paris Agreement and the European Green Pact.
25%
of CO2 emissions in the European Union in 2019 came from transport
71,7 %
of these emissions were generated by road transport, of which 60.6% by cars
90 %
reduction in GHG emissions from transport required by 2050 to achieve climate neutrality
Four key areas of innovation
Compagnie des Signaux, founded in 1902, has been reborn with renewed vigour after regaining its independence by joining
the European group MERMEC. This renewed autonomy is propelling us towards a bold future, marked by strategic investment
in cutting-edge solutions and dynamic international expansion.
Gilles Pascault
Lire la suiteMERMEC Group
We are committed to...
Key figures
+ More than 7,000 km
of HSL equipped with TVM 300 & 430, ERTMS 1 & 2
+ More than 600
high-speed trains operating in France are equipped with the TVM/ERTMS bi-standard
+ More than 2,000
on-board systems installed worldwide
Security
We are committed to contributing to a high level of safety in the railway systems we design and deploy around the world. Our objective: Zero accidents
The history of Compagnie des Signaux began more than 120 years ago
1902
Creation of the "Compagnie des Signaux électriques pour chemins de fer" by Mr Fernand Cumont
1904
The first electric signal box goes into service at Pont de Lyon, near Bercy, by the Chemin de fer company.
1912
From 1912 onwards, the Compagnie des Signaux became independent and designed its own electrical signalling devices for railways.
1913
First contract to maintain the signalling system on the Paris metro.
1920
Compagnie des Signaux expands its business to include the production of electric cables, and its name becomes Compagnie des Signaux et d'Entreprise Electrique (CSEE).
1921
The Riom factories open their doors for the production of relays.
1924
CSEE designs France's first Automatic Block System (or BAL). The system was installed between Paris-Orsay and Paris-Austerlitz stations, then extended to other lines in the following months.
1927
CSEE Lourmel plant manufacturing Stigway incandescent electric lamps opens at 57, rue du Théâtre in Paris.
1930
CSEE is now a complete signalling company, designing and manufacturing all its products.
1935-39
CSEE underwrites a capital increase for SAGEM, which in 1939 takes control of Société Anonyme de Télécommunications (SAT). Long-distance cables are produced at CSEE Riom cable factory.
1939
Commissioning of new signalling stations at Artenay and Angerville designed by CSEE and known as PELI "Beauce type" stations.
1948
Installation of new CSEE signalling stations in Corbeilles-Essonnes, followed by Chalons sur Saône in 1951.
1969
Takeover of the railway signalling branch of Société des Compteurs et Moteurs Aster, which produces signal boxes with route levers, as well as signalling equipment and level crossing mechanisms.
1970
Thirty years of international expansion.
1981
Commissioning of the first Paris-Lyon high-speed line equipped with the new TVM300 high speed line signalling system.
1992
China's Canton-Shenzhen high-speed line, equipped with TVM430s, comes into service.
1993
Commissioning of the LGV Nord and then the Eurotunnel line equipped with TVM430.
1994
Commissioning of the Beijing-Shenzhou high-speed line (900 km).
1998
Signalling contract for the Shenyang-Shanaiguan high-speed line in China.
2003
Commissioning of HS1 in the UK equipped with TVM430.
2004
Entry into service of the first high-speed line in Korea equipped with TVM430.
2007
Entry into service of the French LGV Est equipped with the TVM430 / ERTMS 2 bi-standard system.
2017
Entry into service of the French SEA (Atlantic) and BPL (Brittany) high-speed lines equipped with the TVM430 / ERTMS 2 bi-standard system.
2018
Morocco's first African high-speed line between Tangiers and Kenitra, equipped with ERTMS 2, comes into service.
2024
Commissioning of LGV+, the complete renovation of the interlocking systems on the Paris-Lyon high-speed line.
2024
MERMEC acquires Compagnie des Signaux - CSEE
The company's core values are Excellence, Integrity and Solidarity.
08/04/2025
Compagnie des Signaux takes part in the MEDEF International mission on the occasion of President Macron’s state visit to EgyptCompagnie des Signaux takes part in the MEDEF International mission on the occasion of President...
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20/03/2025
Compagnie des Signaux takes part in French ministerial mission to VietnamCompagnie des Signaux was honored to take part in the French ministerial mission to #Vietnam...
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28/02/2025
Compagnie des Signaux at the heart of the Luso-French transport partnership during President Macron’s state visit on February 27 and 28, 2025 in PortugalPresident Emmanuel Macron’s state visit to Portugal on February 27 and 28, 2025 was marked...
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