Borcad and Metalcolour Drive Innovation in Rail Seating

Around 50 years ago, Metalcolour played a key role in establishing a new standard for cruise ship interiors. By introducing DOBEL® Film Laminated Metal as one of the first materials of its kind to meet the industry’s rigorous fire safety requirements, Metalcolour helped revolutionise interior manufacturing. Today, DOBEL products are widely regarded as an industry standard within the marine sector.
For some time now, Metalcolour has been working to initiate a similar transformation within the rail industry. A close and productive partnership with Czech company Borcad, a specialist in the design and manufacture of passenger train seating, may prove to be one of the first milestones on that journey.

Founded in 1990 as a design and development studio, Borcad has grown into a highly respected company with its own development team and strong manufacturing capabilities. The company specialises in designing and producing seating solutions for the rail sector, with a strong focus on passenger comfort, innovative design and close collaboration with customers.
Today, Borcad employs around 200 people and offers everything from seating for public transport services to premium-class seats equipped with modern features designed to maximise comfort on longer journeys.

The relationship between Metalcolour and Borcad began several years ago at InnoTrans, the world’s leading rail transport exhibition. What started as a dialogue gradually developed into a close partnership.
A major opportunity arose when Borcad won a contract to supply seating for a fleet of trains scheduled to enter service on the Norwegian rail network from 2028. The project was commissioned by Norske Tog, while the trainsets are being manufactured by Stadler. Norske Tog is the state-owned company responsible for procuring and managing passenger train fleets in Norway.
One of the key challenges was that the specification called for wood-effect finishes on a range of hard surfaces. Traditional materials such as HPL and plywood present limitations in terms of formability and, in some applications, add unnecessary weight. The project therefore created an ideal opportunity to explore alternative solutions.

Working together, Borcad and Metalcolour conducted initial trials using DOBEL Film Laminated Aluminium for seat backs, side panels and headrest components. The material proved easy to form without compromising either structural integrity or appearance. In addition, the extensive range of available patterns and finishes offers virtually unlimited design possibilities.
The trials delivered excellent results, and DOBEL was ultimately selected for all surfaces that would traditionally have been manufactured using HPL, plywood or similar materials.

To date, seating has been delivered for 19 trainsets within the project, with a further 70-plus trainsets planned for production. According to Borcad, the transition to DOBEL Film Laminated Aluminium has delivered several important benefits.Sales Director Tomáš Boruta explains:
„We are saving both time and costs while significantly expanding our design possibilities. We have also found Metalcolour to be a highly committed partner throughout the project. They listen carefully to our requirements, consistently deliver high quality, maintain reliable lead times and provide excellent service.“
Metalcolour’s Sales Manager, Marcin Parczewski, is equally positive about the collaboration. He believes Borcad is one of the most forward-thinking companies in its field and is not afraid to make bold decisions.
„The team at Borcad is extremely professional, which has made our work both interesting and straightforward. Their willingness to explore new solutions has been a major factor in the success of this project.“

Marcin also sees this as only the beginning of Metalcolour’s journey within the rail sector. He believes there are significant opportunities to expand the use of DOBEL products across a much wider range of train interior applications.
„With the knowledge and experience we have gained from the marine industry, it is only a matter of time before DOBEL Film Laminated Aluminium becomes a natural choice not only for seating components, but also for walls, ceilings, doors, luggage compartments and wet areas within railway vehicles.

As the rail industry continues to focus on passenger experience, sustainability and lightweight design, collaborations such as the one between Metalcolour and Borcad demonstrate how proven technologies from other transport sectors can help shape the future of rail interiors.