Rail supplier news from ASC Railroad, Alstom, Rail Vision and Hillard (Oct. 9)

ASC Railroad Solutions (ACSRS) is piloting an idle reduction system on Norfolk Southern Railway's low horsepower locomotives. The system performs all the functions of typical automated engine start/stop systems, but also utilizes a 33kWh lithium-ion energy module to keep HVAC, heat, lighting and analytical systems operational even when the engine is shut down. This will reduce emissions and save fuel, ACSRS officialas said in a press release.

Alstom has signed a contract to modernize the signaling network on over 1,100 miles of track for the EFE Trenes de Chile. Alstom will install a control center and on-board signaling equipment on freight and passenger trains. The publicly funded project is an approximate $61 million investment in Chile's rail network, and Alstom anticipates the first phase should be operational in 13 months. Alstom will provide the first five years of maintenance with an option to renew the contract.

Rail Vision Ltd. entered into a standby equity purchase agreement (SEPA) with YA II PN Ltd., a fund managed by Yorkville Advisors Global LP. Under the agreement, Rail Vision may sell to Yorkville up to $20 million of the company's shares during a three-year period following the execution of the SEPA. The SEPA gives the company access to additional capital and the flexibility to grow current initiatives, Rail Vision CEO Shahar Hania said in a press release.

Hillard Enterprises Inc. (HEI) in North Little Rock, Arkansas, has entered into an agreement to purchase Specialized Diesel Parts Inc. (SDP) in Hot Springs, Arkansas. SDP offers aftermarket components for the rail, marine and power generation industries. SDP's extensive network of manufacturers will allow HEI to vertically integrate into supply chain channels and expand its product offerings and customer base, HEI officials said in a press release yesterday.  The acquisition will close this month at an undisclosed sale price, according to the release.