The first 30 locomotives (56 001 - 56 030, factory classification LDE3500) were built by Electroputere in Romania, but these suffered from poor construction standards and many were withdrawn from service early for extensive rebuilding before re-entering revenue service.
Primele treizeci de locomotive (56001-56030) au fost construite de Electroputere Craiova, dar au suferit de standarde de construcție slabe și au trebuit să fie reconstruite înainte de a reintra în serviciu.