Rail supplier news from NMC Railway Systems, Alstom, TranSystems and Ohio Crankshaft (July 13)

NMC Railway Systems, in partnership with Supertrak, is now the dealer in the United States and Canada for the Huddig Rail system for rail maintenance. The Huddig Rail machine is a backhoe loader system designed to enable rail operators to use several products in one system, NMC Railway Systems officials said in a press release. The machine can track up and down rail lines with its hi-rail gear that allows it to move on and off track at any location. NMC Railway Systems will manage site support, maintenance and parts for the Huddig product, as well as provide rail maintenance operations the ability to purchase, rent or lease the equipment.

Alstom has been chosen to provide maintenance support for the Class 180 trains operated by the United Kingdom's Grand Central Railway Co. Ltd. The 10-year, $110 million contract will begin in January. Alstom will provide Grand Central with specialized materials, parts, technical and engineering support needed to maintain its fleet of 10 Class 180 trains. Part of Alstom's Coradia line, the Class 180 units are one of the few diesel multiple-unit trains that can reach speeds up to 124 mph.

TranSystems Corp. has named Alex Houseal regional vice president in the Northeast. He'll focus on growth and market expansion, business development, client relationships and day-to-day operations of all six Northeast regional offices. TranSystems also named Greg Murphy regional VP of the Great Lakes region. He'll provide strategic direction and grow the market sector that serves state departments of transportations, tollways and municipalities in the Great Lakes region and Midwest.

Ohio Crankshaft Co. has announced the retirement of Sales and Marketing Manager Gary Beck, effective July 15. Business Development Manager Mark Zaremba will take up Beck's duties.