Rail supplier news from FreightCar America, STV, Nexxiot, Thales, MaxAccel and WAGO (March 20)

FreightCar America Inc. has appointed Nicholas Randall president and CEO, effective May 1. He will succeed James Meyer, who will become executive chairman. The current chairman — William Gehl — will remain on the company’s board and serve as lead independent director. Randall currently is FreightCar America’s chief operating officer. He joined the company last year. Randall has more than 20 years of experience working in and leading engineering and manufacturing operations at various world-class companies, FreightCar America officials said in a press release.

The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority has contracted STV to provide procurement services for up to 200 new, state-of-the-art M5 metro rail cars for its Market-Frankford Line. STV will provide project management, design, engineering, testing, inspection, commissioning and maintenance support services for the cars. The M5 vehicle procurement is a key component of a larger suite of improvements for the line, which last hosted new vehicles in the late 1990s, STV officials said in a press release.

Telematic solutions provider Nexxiot has forged a partnership with 3C Telemetry LLC, which provides various rolling stock solutions, including specialized wheelset and bearing sensors for the rail industry. The collaboration facilitates predictive and preventive maintenance strategies, significantly enhancing rolling stock protection in North America, Nexxiot officials said in a press release. By harnessing Nexxiot's hardware, software and artificial intelligence-driven analytics, the alliance promises to digitalize the global transport and logistics industry, with a particular focus on the North American rail sector, Nexxiot officials said.

Societe de transport de Montreal (STM) has awarded Thales a contract to provide a communications-based train control system for the Montreal Metro Blue Line. Thales will install its SelTrac™ signaling system on the entire line as well as on a prolonged track section running toward the east. The system will significantly modernize the network and replace the current legacy technology to provide passengers with an improved and more reliable ride, Thales officials said in a press release. In addition, the system will enable STM to increase train frequency on the line, they said.

The American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association (ASLRRA) has added MaxAccel to its Member Discount Programl. MaxAccel offers a suite of software products — including AssetPro™ and SafeTrack™ electronic recordkeeping applications — designed to help small railroads drive safety, regulatory compliance and operational efficiency. ASLRRA members can gain access to discounted pricing for products and services that are selected as Member Discount Program participants. MaxAccel’s product offerings are available as part of the program.

WAGO Corp. has named Paul Johnson industry manager for railroads and transportation. He has spent the past three years as vice president of operations for Trainyard Tech. After previously serving time in the military, Johnson spent 23 years with Norfolk Southern Railway, where he eventually became a controls system engineer overseeing installations and upgrades at yards, as well as new process control systems.