Rail supplier updates from RailPros, MERMEC, Trinity, Harsco and Hanson (July 24)

RailPros has been awarded a contract by the Alameda Corridor-East Construction Authority to provide preliminary engineering and final design services for a grade crossing improvement project in Ponoma, Calif. The project is designed to enhance vehicular and pedestrian safety at four existing crossings in Pomona along Union Pacific Railroad's Alhambra and Los Angeles Subdivisions. The scope of services includes performing site studies and developing concept plans for proposed improvements.

MERMEC delivered a ROGER 600 self-propelled car to Chilean rail operator Grupo EFE. The steel-bodied, diesel-powered recording car is designed to monitor track geometry, overhead-line geometry, contract wire wear, internal rail flaws and running dynamics. Delivery of the car is part of a wider commercial agreement that includes the provisioning of long-term professional services aimed at training the local Chilean team on measurement and analysis best-practices.

For the second quarter, Trinity Industries Inc. logged net income of $212 million, a 29 percent increase from the same point last year, when the company reported net income of $164.2 million. Earnings per common diluted share jumped 32 percent to $1.33. The company ended the quarter with $1.68 billion in revenue versus $1.49 billion in second-quarter 2014, a 13 percent increase. During the quarter, Trinity delivered 8,530 rail cars and received orders for 11,170 cars, increasing the value of its backlog to $6.9 billion.

Harsco Rail plans to move all technology products and services under the Protran Technology brand, including Zeta Tech and Harsco Rail's rail consulting services, technological solutions and individual analysis plans, company officials said in a press release. Zeta Tech, which was acquired by Harsco Rail in 2007, will maintain its current offices in Cherry Hill, N.J.

Hanson Professional Services hired Chris Durden as vice president and senior railway principal. In his new role, he'll provide technical assistance and railroad operations input. Durden previously served as assistant vice president of terminal development for CSX Intermodal Terminals Inc, where he was responsible for all phases of strategic planning, design, construction and maintenance to support 35 intermodal terminals.