Rail supplier news from Union Tank Car, Strobel Starostka, Toshiba, Hanson, Transit Safety and RSI/CMA (Feb. 25)

Union Tank Car Co.'s (UTLX) network of mobile repair teams and dedicated mini shops established a new record in 2013, with more than a half million car "touches," including field inspections, repairs, and tank car qualifications. "To deal with the growing and ever compounding number of cars due for qualification, UTLX On-Site is making key investments in people and assets to expand the UTLX qualification-capable mini shop presence throughout the nation," said UTLX's General Manager of Field Services Blasko Ristic in a press release. "We are developing new partnerships and discussing co-investment opportunities with key players in the Agriculture and Petro Chemical industries."

Strobel Starostka Transfer Canada Ltd. (SSTC) recently announced it will acquire Simba Industries Transload Ltd., one of Canada's leading rail terminal transload and logistics providers, for an undisclosed amount. Simba company founder Marvin Trimble will stay on board to lead the company's Canadian efforts as SSTC's director of commercial development. The acquisition is expected to close in March.

Toshiba Corp. has received a turnkey order valued at $27.4 million for electrical and mechanical systems (E&M) for three new stations from Taiwan High Speed Rail Corp. The stations will be constructed at Miaoli, Changhua and Yunlin on the Taiwan High-Speed Rail line, and will open by 2015's end. The E&M systems cover passenger announcement systems, passenger information systems, signaling systems, electrification and power systems, and the maintenance management information system.

Hanson Professional Services Inc. has entered its 60th year of operation. In 1954, Walt Hanson founded the company as Walter E. Hanson and Associates in Springfield, Ill., in a partnership with two civil engineers. The trio worked at the company's first office, focusing on bridge design and structural engineering projects in the Midwest. In the 1960s, the firm expanded its services to include foundation engineering and more broad-based civil engineering projects. Joint ventures were formed during the 1960s and 1970s that allowed Hanson to grow in the industry, entering into railroad, intermodal and transportation sectors. Today, Hanson has more than 380 employees across the United States.

Transit Safety & Security Solutions Inc. has named Alex Wiggins chief security officer. He will oversee the company's security services division, as well as assist with system safety and security management on the Regional Transportation District of Denver's Eagle P3 project. Prior to joining the firm, Wiggins was deputy chief executive officer at Metra. He has more than 20 years of experience directing police, safety and security operations for military, diplomatic, educational institutions and public transit agencies.

CN President and Chief Executive Officer Claude Mongeau will be the keynote speaker at RSI/CMA 2014 on Sept. 22 at the Montreal Convention Center. RSI/CMA 2014 will be held Sept. 21-23. The first-ever Canadian exhibition will combine the exhibits of the Railway Supply Institute, the Canadian Association of Railway Suppliers and the technical and educational sessions of the Coordinated Mechanical Associations. In addition, the Railway Association of Canada-hosted Canadian Rail Summit hosted will be held in conjunction with RSI/CMA 2014.