Rail supplier updates from R. J. Corman, Bombardier, Thales, Axion, A&K Railroad, and Skelly and Loy (April 2)

R. J. Corman Railroad Group L.L.C. has entered the signal system design, wiring, construction, maintenance, packaging and material warehousing/logistics market after forming a new subsidiary, R. J. Corman Signaling L.L.C. The subsidiary is nearing completion on a Nicholasville, Ky., facility and has identified a Jacksonville/Orange Park, Fla., location for a second facility. R. J. Corman appointed Mike Wilson vice president of the new company. He joined the company earlier this year to help develop the business plan and strategy of the new business segment. Wilson has experience with previous business start ups in the signaling discipline via United Railway Signal Group Inc. and 10East Corp. The subsidiary's short-term plans include hiring more than 100 employees to support engineering and a signal shop.

Bombardier obtained a $145 million contract to deliver 12 Twindexx Vario trains for commuter services to Deutsche Bahn AG in Germany. The order is part of a framework agreement signed in December 2008. Under the agreement, Deutsche Bahn already has ordered 290 variable double-deck coaches for long-distance and regional routes.

Thales announced Line 2 of the Santo Domingo Metro in the Dominican Republic began service yesterday. The line’s opening “is a key milestone in a national plan to improve public transport and relieve congestion on the road network," according to a company press release. Fourteen stations currently are open and the new line will carry approximately 400,000 passengers per day. It connects to Line 1 (north-south), which is already equipped with Thales systems.

Axion International Holdings Inc. announced a 2012 year-end net loss of $5.4 million, compared with a 2011 year-end net loss of $11 million. Also in 2012, revenue increased 37 percent to $5.3 million and the company sold products to 33 customers, representing 22 new ones and 11 repeat customers. Axion also introduced the STRUXURE™ Construction Mat product, which is expected to contribute to 2013 revenue. “One of the most significant developments of 2012 was our achievement in advancing our proprietary composite materials technology,” said President and Chief Executive Officer Steve Silverman in a prepared statement.

A&K Railroad Materials has promoted Jeff Galyean from controller to chief financial officer. Also, the company announced former CFO Ray Yamasaki will retire on May 1 after 32 years of service.

Skelly and Loy announced Edward Stetz joined the firm as director of marketing. He will be responsible for coordinating the firm’s marking and proposal efforts, corporate public relations and management of marketing staff. Stetz has extensive experience in marketing communications and business development for architectural, engineering and construction firms.