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GE Transportation recently obtained an order for 115 AC44i locomotives from Brazilian rail operator MRS Logística S.A. — the largest locomotive purchase agreement in Brazil’s history, according to GE. The order includes an option for 100 additional locomotives.

GE will manufacture the locomotives at its Contagem, Brazil, plant and produce key components — including 12-cylinder diesel engines — at its Grove City, Pa., facility. Ninety units are scheduled for delivery in 2011, including 30 units covered under a previous contract and 60 covered by the new purchase agreement. The remaining 55 units will be delivered between 2012 and 2015.

The AC44i locomotives are designed to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions up to 15 percent and generate enough tractive effort to replace four older generation locomotives, according to GE.

Meanwhile, the locomotive builder’s parent firm General Electric Co. announced plans to jointly explore business opportunities in Mongolia with private Mongolian investment firm Newcom Group. The two companies agreed to explore a “sustained partnership” in such sectors as railways, power, civil aviation, health care, mining and financial services, GE officials said in a prepared statement.

GE will be the largest multi-national company to operate in the Mongolian market, they said. Mongolia has rich energy and mining resources, including some of the world’s largest coal and copper deposits.

“Each company brings strengths that are well-aligned with Mongolia’s growth needs — GE brings technologies and expertise in infrastructure and financial services, and Newcom brings established relationships and operations in the market,” said Mark Norbom, president and chief executive officer of GE Greater China.