Rail supplier news from ANGI, Snap-on, RailTerm, CSiT, Yusen and AECOM (May 17)

ANGI Energy Systems LLC has built turnkey equipment for the first trackside compressed natural gas (CNG) fueling station for locomotives. The company next month will ship the equipment to Indiana Harbor Belt Railroad. ANGI's design incorporates components of transit, trailer and heavy-duty truck fueling to leverage "time-tested" methods for fast-filling high-pressure fueling systems, company officials said in a press release. The station integrates ANGI fueling algorithms and on-board locomotive telemetry to help ensure accurate and full target fueling. Late last month, OptiFuel Systems LLC shipped two dual fuel locomotive engine systems to IHB for the short line's CNG repower program.

Snap-on Inc. has acquired Norbar Torque Holdings Ltd. and its U.S. and Chinese joint ventures for $72 million. Norbar is a European manufacturer of torque products, including wrenches, multipliers and calibrators. The company has a "strong presence in critical industries," including rail, Snap-on officials said in a press release. The acquisition complements and expands Snap-on's existing offerings for critical industries, they added.

RailTerm has partnered with Transport Canada to install an information and communication application to increase safety and security on Canada's rail network. The country's rail lines were mapped to help identify locations where incidents and accidents were likely to occur. The map was integrated with RailTerm's rail traffic control dispatch center, which provides dispatch services for railroads. The joint effort provides a "one-stop database for crossings across Canada," and allows for more efficient communication between railroad and security officials, RailTerm officials said in a press release.

CSiT's TRANSIS-Train communications system will be tested by a large North American municipal transit agency, the company announced this week. Powered by Kontron's TRACe™ transportation computers, the on-board system will be installed over the next two weeks so the agency can test and validate its multimodal integrated public address, passenger "infotainment," media/advertising, CCTV and wireless connectivity capabilities. The TRANSIS-Train communication system is designed to network and integrate information across a fleet and operational network, according to a CSit and Kontron press release.

Toyota Motor Europe has presented its gold award to Yusen Logistics (Europe) BV. The honor recognizes Yusen's management of a recent acquisition of Transfreight Automotive Logistics Europe, which is another key supply chain provider to Toyota Motor Europe. Yusen helped make the transition smooth with "timely and clear communications," Toyota Motor Europe Purchasing Director Jean-Christophe Deville said in a press release. Yusen also provided "excellent delivery and supply chain capability," he added.

AECOM has appointed Navin Sagar vice president and national director of the firm's transit systems practice in North America. Throughout his 35-year career, Sagar has been involved in major programs for intercity railroad, commuter-rail, light-rail and mass transit systems, according to a company press release. He previously served as senior director of engineering at the Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County in Houston. Sagar also worked for MTA New York City Transit. Meanwhile, AECOM promoted Jon Schmidt to transit systems deputy practice leader. A 17-year employee with the company, Schmidt has been responsible for the design and project management of overhead catenary systems for transit-rail projects, as well as public improvement projects for freight-rail systems.