Rail supplier news from Siemens, Transplace, RailPros and Brookville (Oct. 10)

The Societe du Grand Paris, owner of the Grand Paris Express subway project in France, has awarded a contract to Siemens Mobility-Thales to deliver an automated train control system using wireless communications-based train control technology (CBTC). Siemens will design and implement its CBTC fully automated technology, while Thales will design and implement operating control centers and trackside equipment for the new lines 15, 16 and 17. The agreement includes 12 construction and commissioning phases, with the first one scheduled to be completed in 2024. The remainder will wrap up by 2030, according to a Siemens press release, which did not disclose the contract's financial value.

Transplace has acquired Yusen Logistics (Americas) Inc.'s intermodal marketing company and over-the-road freight brokerage group. The acquisition expands Transplace's North American intermodal capabilities and further supports its commitment to strategic growth as it works toward meeting the supply chain needs of it "growing customer base," company officials said in a joint press release. A subsidiary of Nippon Yusen Kaisha, Yusen Logistics (Americas) Inc. is a global logistics and transportation provider with offices in 44 countries and regions. The transaction's financial details were undisclosed.

RailPros has promoted Ken Koff to chief executive officer. He succeeds CEO and founder Johnny Johnson, who will become executive chairman. Before the promotion, Koff served as chief operating officer. He came to RailPros three years ago with more than four decade of rail industry experience, including railroad management at Class I and regional railroads. For his part, Johnson will remain "actively involved and continue to drive strategic growth for the company," RailPros officials said in a news release.

Brookville Equipment Corp. last week was named manufacturer of the year at the 12th annual Global Light Rail Awards in London. The award is a "testament to the trust and confidence our customers have in us as a transit vehicle manufacturer," said Brookville Vice President of Business Development Joel McNeil in a press release. The company has built streetcar fleets for Dallas Area Rapid Transit and Detroit's QLINE streetcar system. Brookville also is manufacturing streetcar vehicles for Oklahoma City and Milwaukee. The company this year is marking its 100th anniversary.