Rail supplier updates from REMSA, Holland, Bombardier, Schwartz and Encore (Sept. 4)

U.S. Rep. Brad Ashford (D-Neb.) on Wednesday met with NMC Railway Systems representatives to tour the company's Omaha facility and learn about its maintenance-of-way equipment. Joined by NMC President Nicholas Mizaur on his tour, Ashford discussed public policy priorities for the businesses and rail communities in Omaha, according to a press release from the Railway Engineering-Maintenance Suppliers Association Inc. (REMSA).

Holland LP announced that a Class I railroad chose the company to perform wheel truing services at field locations in Texas and New Mexico. The service is aimed at providing remote mobile wheel truing using a computerized CNC wheel lathe. Additionally, the work can be performed on both AC and DC traction motors, Holland officials said.

Bombardier Transportation's Chinese joint venture has been awarded a $381 million contract with China Railway Corp. to supply 15 CRH380D high-speed trains for China's growing rail network. Powered by Bombardier's ECO4 technology and the MITRAC propulsion and control system, the eight-car trainsets are capable of traveling at more than 230 mph.

Global transportation engineering firm GPO Group SA acquired a 30 percent interest in Sam Schwartz Consulting. The move is aimed at broadening Sam Schwartz's practice areas to include rail design and engineering throughout North America, in addition to allowing the company to expand globally through GPO's presence.

Encore Rail Systems Director of Product Development Doug Delmonico has retired. In a press release, company officials credited him with a range of crosstie life extension technologies, including work with polyurethane compounds for wood cross ties, fast-curing epoxy solutions for concrete ties, and the application equipment required to deliver these materials. Delmonico worked in the rail industry for more than 40 years.