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Here are the latest developments from rail industry suppliers and service providers:

• The Andersons Inc. has appointed Arthur DePompei vice president of human resources to succeed Charles Gallagher, who will retire at month's end. DePompei most recently was VP of human resources for Degussa Construction Chemicals L.L.C. He also served in the same capacity for Teledyne Fluid Systems and Specialty Equipment. The Andersons provides rail-car leasing and repair services, among other businesses.

• The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority has contracted URS Corp. to provide construction management services for a $140 million freight-rail relocation project. Union Pacific Railroad will relocate track and facilities to adjacent property to make way for the Silicon Valley Rapid Transit project. URS will oversee the construction of a crossing, several bridges and a grade separation.

• FreightCar America Inc. reached a tentative settlement with representatives of the United Steelworkers of America and plaintiffs in a class action suit. The settlement is subject to ratification by union members in Johnstown, Pa. FreightCar America previously closed its Johnstown plant.

• VTG Aktiengesellschaft subsidiary VOTG will become a joint venture partner with Cosco Logistics Co. Ltd. The VTG Group will purchase a 50 percent share in Chinese logistics service provider Cosco-Vopak Logistics Co. located in Shanghai that had been held by Vopak North China B.V. VTG plans to continue expanding the global position of Cosco Logistics' tank container logistics division, which manages a fleet of 8,000 tank containers.

• SafeRack L.L.C. has launched a new Web site at www.SafeRack.com. The site features easy-to-navigate and interactive applications, and provides the latest information on the company's products and services. SafeRack provides rail-car and truck loading-rack and fall-protection equipment to the petroleum, biofuel, specialized chemical, food/pharmaceutical, cement and other industries.