Rail supplier news from AECOM, Alstom, Hub Group, Wells Fargo Rail and Lilee (April 20)

AECOM obtained a contract from Metrolinx to provide technical advisory services for the Hurontario and Hamilton light-rail projects. The seven-year contract has a maximum value of $100 million (in Canadian dollars). AECOM will lead the development of the reference concept designs, project specific output specifications and related design and planning activities; provide assistance with an alternative financing and procurement request for quotation; and support the construction and implementation phases. The Hurontario project consists of 12 miles of light-rail track in Mississauga and Brampton, Ont. The Hamilton project will include 8 miles of light-rail track connecting McMaster University through downtown Hamilton, Ontario, to Queenston Circle.

Alstom has acquired the shares of French manufacturing company Nexans after a five-year partnership. Through the acquisition, Alstom becomes exclusive owner of Cabliance, the companies' joint venture in Fes, Morocco. The venture was created in 2011 to produce cable bundles for rail applications and electrical switchboxes. Morocco is a "market with strong potential," serving as a gateway between Europe and new developing markets in sub-Saharan Africa, Alstom officials said in a press release.

Lowe's Cos. Inc. has named Hub Group intermodal carrier of the year and platinum service award winner for the fifth and sixth consecutive years, respectively. To attain the platinum service award, companies must achieve a total score of at least 99 percent on a combination of three weighted criteria: on-time percentage, EDI compliance and load acceptance. Hub Group was the only intermodal carrier honored this year, officials from that company said in a press release. In addition, Hub Group has won the platinum service award every year that it's been eligible.

Wells Fargo Rail has hired William Glenn as chief commercial officer. He will lead sales, structured sales, customer service and business intelligence. Based in Rosemont, Ill., he'll report to Barbara Wilson, president of Wells Fargo Rail. Before joining the company, Glenn spent 14 years at The Greenbrier Cos. Inc., where he most recently served as chief commercial officer. In addition, Glenn served as president of Greenbrier Europe.

Lilee Systems has named John Marshall as senior vice president responsible for global sales, marketing and solutions development. He has a background in general management, sales and marketing of wireless connectivity solutions for machine-to-machine and Internet of Things platforms. Before joining Lilee, he served as chief marketing officer and VP/general manager of SkyCross Inc.'s North American and European units. Lilee also hired Jessica Sweeney to lead marketing and product strategy, as well as Rene Hendrikse to lead sales and services efforts for the company's Europe, Middle East and Africa division.