Rail supplier news from Koppers, Alstom, HNTB, Auto Truck and TranSystems (Jan. 16)

Koppers Inc. has substantially completed a legal reorganization of its foreign subsidiaries that will allow the company to repatriate cash from the subsidiaries at a lower overall tax cost. The transaction is expected to lower the company's effective tax rate on annual pretax income. Additionally, Koppers has modified the construction schedule for its North American CMC restructuring project to more effectively manage its cash position. The project includes construction of a naphthalene plant at the Stickney, Ill., facility at a cost of $40 million to $45 million. Construction of the plant is required to cease production at the company's plant in Follansbee, W.Va., which currently is the only facility in North America that produces naphthalene, Koppers officials said in a press release.

Alstom obtained a $115.9 million contract from Egyptian National Railways (ENR) to supply signaling equipment for the Beni Suef-Asyut railway line in Egypt. The contract also includes maintenance for five years. Delivery will start in 2016 and the system is due to be operational by January 2019.

Michael Townes has joined HNTB Corp. as senior vice president and national transit market sector leader. Townes has 35 years of experience in transportation and public transit, and served in the public transportation industry’s top policy position as chair of the American Public Transportation Association's executive committee. Prior to joining HNTB, he was national transit services leader for CDM Smith.

Auto Truck Group named Jeff Mower director of railroad sales. Mower and his team will aim to establish and strengthen relationships with companies in the rail industry, manage vehicle quotes and orders, and maintain ongoing communication with clients. He also will be responsible for growing opportunities within the market. Mower joined Auto Truck in 2005 as assistant manager of operations and since has held roles as parts sales manager and railroad sales manager.

TranSystems has promoted William Schafer from associate to senior associate. Schafer has 41 years of experience in railroad planning, engineering and construction for freight and passenger mainline and terminal facilities, as well as commuter- and light-rail systems. Schafer’s promotion was part of an annual process determined by the firm’s Partner Performance and Development Committee, which refines TranSystems’ leadership development standards.