Harsco acquires transportation safety systems provider Protran

Harsco Corp. announced yesterday that it acquired New Jersey-based transportation safety systems provider Protran Technology. The purchase price and other terms of the transaction weren't disclosed.

Protran, whose railway track worker and train operator safety systems are used throughout the world, will be operated as a unit of Harsco Rail, which provides railway track maintenance equipment and services.

"This investment aligns perfectly with our stated strategy to further grow and diversify our Rail division," said Harsco President and Chief Executive Officer Nick Grasberger in a press release. "We see numerous opportunities to leverage our global market presence and expand the reach of these important, life-saving products."

Protran and Harsco had already signed a distribution agreement in late 2013. The terms of that pact made Harsco the exclusive worldwide representative and distributor for Protran's products.