Rail supplier news from Koppers, GATX, Alstom, WSP and Moffatt & Nichol (May 30)

Koppers Holdings Inc. has named James Sullivan president and chief transformation officer, effective June 1. In the newly created role, Sullivan will lead Koppers' performance maximization process, known as "Catalyst." He will continue to report to the CEO and Chairman Leroy Ball. Sullivan also will lead a newly established transformation office, a cross-functional team designed to change how the company approaches performance improvements, Koppers officials said in a press release. Sullivan has more than 25 years of industry experience and joined Koppers in June 2013. He most recently served as president and chief operating officer.

GATX Corp., in partnership with Brookfield Infrastructure Partners LP, has agreed to acquire 105,000 rail cars from Wells Fargo for $4.4 billion. Initial joint ownership will be GATX at 30% and Brookfield Infrastructure 70%, with GATX having the option to acquire 100% ownership over time, according to a GATX press release. The transaction is expected to close in or before first-quarter 2026.

Alstom will deliver 19 additional Innovia automated people mover (APM) R cars to Denver International Airport, increasing the total number of cars ordered to 45. The APM vehicles will be manufactured and tested at Alstom's plant in West Mifflin, Pennsylvania, according to an Alstom press release. The Innovia APM R provides increased capacity and will ensure the airport's fleet supports current and future passenger volume, which is expected to hit 100 million passengers per year by 2030, Alstom officials said.

WSP-PGH Wong Joint Venture has been selected by the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency to provide program management support during a train control upgrade project designed to modernize the city's Muni Metro system. The program will design and install a new communications-based train control system for Muni Metro trains that operate on a 71-mile rail network. The new technology is expected to enhance automatic train control in subway and on-street service, WSP officials said in a press release.

Moffatt & Nichol  appointed Nathan Ellis to its national rail team as senior rail engineer. Ellis has a background in project management and design for freight, commuter, high speed and light rail, as well as railroad coordination, Moffatt & Nichol officials said in a press release. In his new role, Ellis will support clients with feasibility studies and strategies for designing, planning and grant writing. "Nathan’s experience in leading technically complex rail programs and projects not only enhances the rail team, but adds to our depth of expertise that is increasingly sought out by rail clients nationwide,” said Moffatt & Nichol Technical Director Scott Hudson.