Rail supplier news from First State Manufacturing, FreightCar America, ASLRRA and Triangle Fluid Controls (Jan. 26)

First State Manufacturing announced that it has been awarded two new multi-year contracts with Amtrak to provide repair and refurbishment of upholstery and to operate a distribution center supplying new cushions for the railroad's fleet nationwide. The company is reallocating existing space and renovating the other half of its 75,000-square-foot facility to house the new distribution center, which is slated to double its workable space, First State officials said in a press release.

FreightCar America Inc. has appointed Matthew Kohnke vice president of finance, chief financial officer and treasurer, effective Feb. 29. He will succeed Charles Avery Jr., who departed Jan. 22 to pursue new business opportunities. Kohnke has 25 years of experience in finance and accounting and joins the company from Dorman Products Inc. He previously served as Dorman's vice president and corporate controller and became CFO in 2011.

Railroad Day on Capitol Hill is scheduled for March 3. Hill appointments run from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Eastern. Attendance is open to all Class I, II, and III railroad personnel, shippers, state and local government representatives, as well as members from the contractor and supplier community. Visit the American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association's webpage on the event for more details.

Triangle Fluid Controls Ltd. announced it will expand manufacturing operations at its global headquarters in Belleville, Ontario. The company has awarded a design-build contract to Bel-Con Design-Builders Ltd. for the expansion. Triangle Fluid Controls has been producing industrial gaskets and sealing solutions to a global customer base since 2007.