Rail supplier news from Harsco, Michael Baker, Protran, Thales, STV and Jacobs (April 9)

Harsco Corp. has named F. Nicholas Grasberger president and chief operating officer. The appointment is the first step in a planned transition during which Grasberger will continue his duties as chief financial officer while the search for his successor in that role is conducted. He will become president and chief executive officer by mid-year, once the transition is completed, according to a Harsco press release. David Everitt, who has been serving as interim president and CEO since March 1, will continue as interim CEO until Grasberger assumes that role.

Michael Baker Jr. Inc. obtained a three-year, $4.2 million contract from Amtrak to provide construction management and inspection services for five major projects as part of the New York State Department of Transportation's and Amtrak's Hudson Line improvements program. The program will preserve and improve certain rail facilities and upgrade rail service, such as by increasing track speeds, improving systems reliability and operational flexibility, and implementing a high-speed rail program for the Empire Corridor in New York. The five major projects include the addition of a second track from Rensselaer Station to Schenectady, a fourth track and platform extensions at Rensselaer Station, communications and signals upgrades, and grade crossing improvements to accommodate the rail traffic increase.

Protran Technology L..L.C. obtained a multimillion dollar contract from Kinkisharyo to outfit more than 500 rail cars with the Protracker Roadway Worker Protection System (RWPS).  The RWPS was designed by Protran Technology to provide advance warning to track workers of approaching trains and advance warning to train operators about workers ahead. Protran’s RWPS can also be integrated with positive train control.

Thales will provide signaling, railway security and communications solutions to the railway connection and service tracks of Bilbao Port’s new logistics terminal in Pancorbo, Spain. Thales will provide its latest-generation electronic interlocking systems for managing railway traffic within the logistics complex in Pancorbo. It also will deliver the signaling systems for two new escape routes and access to the Railway Logistics Terminal.

Leonard Smith Jr. has been promoted to vice president of STV. Manager of the Harrisburg, Pa., office, he is assuming responsibility for all management operations and business development for STV’s Transportation and Infrastructure Division in Pennsylvania within the Northeast region. Also, STV promoted James Martin to vice president. Based in Philadelphia, Martin is the director of rail vehicle engineering in the Transportation and Infrastructure Division.

Jacobs Associates has opened an office in Sydney, Australia. The new office joins Melbourne and Auckland as the firm's third Australasian office. The Sydney office currently supports ongoing projects in the city, including the North West Rail Link.