Rail supplier news from Kelso, Trinity, ZTR, Vossloh, Atlantic Track and KBR (Oct. 31)

Kelso Technologies Inc. announced the Tank Car Committee of the Association of American Railroads has cleared the company's Kelso Klincher® Manway (KKM) for unrestricted commercial use, ending the required field service trial requirements for the KKM. The committee "favorably recognized" the KKM's performance during the trial and elected to monitor it in service on a broader scale, according to a Kelso press release.

Trinity Industries Inc. reported third-quarter net income rose to $99.6 million, or $1.26 per common diluted share, compared with $63.2 million, or 80 cents per common diluted share, a year ago. Revenue for the quarter jumped 22 percent to $1.1 billion. The Rail Group received orders for 5,610 new rail cars during the quarter, which resulted in a backlog of 40,050 units with a value of $5.1 billion.

ZTR has unveiled a modernized ZTR Locomotive Axle Generator, which features a low-profile design and field-configurable generator. The device is easy to install and fits on all Timken bearings, according to a ZTR press release. The generator mounts on the locomotive journal box with a more versatile ring bracket design, and uses a flexible cable, ZTR officials said.

Vossloh reported that third-quarter net sales increased 9.4 percent to 350.3 million euros ($481 million) compared with third-quarter 2012 sales. Group earnings dropped 52 percent to 6 million euros ($8.2 million). Meanwhile, the Rail Infrastructure division reported third-quarter sales rose 17.5 percent to 671.8 million euros ($922.7 million), and the Rail Services business unit's sales climbed 11.5 percent to 44.3 million euros ($60.8 million) compared with the year-ago quarter.

Atlantic Track announced the following promotions: Charles Killeen to executive vice president; David Francis to vice president-Midwest Region; Jeffrey Grissom to vice president-engineering and operations; Frank Jroski to vice president-Crane Runway Division; and James Schweitzer to vice president.

KBR announced Brian Ferraioli has been appointed executive vice president and chief financial officer. He has 34 years of financial and accounting experience in the engineering and construction industry. Previously, he served as EVP and CFO at The Shaw Group, and in numerous roles at Foster Wheeler AG.