Rail supplier news from AECOM, URS, RailComm, Nomad, HDR, Parsons Brinckerhoff and Strato (Oct. 20)

AECOM Technology Corp. completed its acquisition of URS Corp. following stockholder approval on Oct. 16. Each share of URS common stock will be exchanged in the merger for per-share consideration of either $53.99 in cash or 1.89 shares of AECOM common stock, at the election of the holder. Only non-electing holders will receive cash and stock as provided for in the merger agreement. The stockholder election deadline was Oct. 15, according to a company press release.

RailComm has been contracted by a large container terminal in Long Beach, Calif., to provide remote automation for a new facility installation via the Domain Operations Controller (DOC®) system, RailComm’s proprietary yard control application. The DOC system also will be interfaced with an existing train in motion system that enables a user to utilize a single application to meet yard control needs. Communication to the switch machines and derails will be provided via a RailComm 2.4 GHz spread spectrum RADiANT™ network.

Nomad Digital has obtained a contract from Virgin Trains to provide a fleet-wide Wi-Fi upgrade. Under the contract, Nomad will upgrade Wi-Fi service on 56 Pendolinos and 20 Super Voyager trains. The upgrade will offer Virgin Trains’ customers significantly increased bandwidth onboard, as well as improved connection availability across all routes, according to a Nomad press release.

Norma De La Garza-Navarro has joined HDR as the central Texas transit lead. Based in San Antonio, Texas, her responsibilities include client engagement and developing and managing transit program assignments. De La Garza-Navarro also will help advance regional, national and global HDR transit initiatives. Prior to joining HDR, she held positions of increasing responsibility at Dallas Area Rapid Transit, including assistant vice president. Also, for the past three years, De La Garza-Navarro was vice president of commuter rail and railroad management for Trinity Railway Express.

The Environmental Financial Consulting Group (EFCG) recently named Parsons Brinckerhoff President and Chief Executive Officer George Pierson the "EFCG 2014 CEO of the Year." The award is given annually to an engineering/consulting firm leader for demonstrating "effectiveness over a number of years in preservation and creation of value for his or her firm," according to a press release. Pierson was cited for his achievements during his five-year tenure at Parsons Brinckerhoff. Meanwhile, Parsons Brinckerhoff named Peter Torres a senior supervising structural engineer in the New York City office, where he will be responsible for delivering designs for major underground rail and infrastructure projects.

Strato Inc. has been named "New Jersey Manufacturer of the Year" by NJBIZ.  Companies are honored for their contribution to the success of the manufacturing industry’s growth and stability. As one of five finalists, Strato was selected based on such criteria as how the company differentiates from competitors, as well as its operations, innovation, continuous improvement, and leadership, according to a Strato press release.