Rail supplier news from Alstom, Ansaldo STS, Harbor Rail, CTC, TUV and Stantec (June 25)

Alstom and Japan Transport Engineering Co. (J-TREC) recently signed a memorandum of understanding to jointly assess the light-rail transit (LRT) and tramway markets in Japan. The study will focus on existing LRT and tramway systems. Meanwhile, Alstom obtained a $111 million contract from Public Transport Victoria to supply eight X'trapolis trainsets for Melbourne, Australia's suburban train network. In addition, Alstom and its Russian joint venture partner TramRus have concluded an agreement with City Transport Group to produce modern high-speed tramways for the Ukrainian market.

A consortium consisting of Condotte d'Acqua & Rizzani de Eccher has awarded Ansaldo STS a $52.5 million contract to design, supply, install and commission the ERTMS signaling systems and related equipment for a new rail line between Oued Tlelat and Tlemcen, Algeria. The project is part of a national plan to develop infrastructure and modernize rail networks from east to west in the country.

Harbor Rail Services Co. and its service partners have received two back-to-back automotive quality excellence awards for mechanical pre-tripping in the automotive industry. Toyota's San Antonio plant was recognized as the best origin facility in North America for the 2012 Origin Quality Review from June 1, 2012, to Dec. 31, 2012. Service partners recognized included Toyota, Union Pacific Railroad, Road and Rail Services and Harbor Rail Services. In addition, General Motor's plant in Arlington, Texas, received the highest quality review score for origin facilities in North America for the 2013 Origin Quality Review from Jan. 1 through May 31. Service partners honored with the award included GM, UP, Pinnacle and Harbor Rail Services.

The Fort Worth Transportation Authority (The T) awarded a three-year contract to the Urban Engineers' team to provide professional engineering services as part of an indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contract. The scope of services calls for project management, field surveying, environmental assessment, civil and structural engineering, and architectural and railroad crossing services. Urban Engineers will serve as the primary firm, with CTC supplementing work The T needs at grade crossings, particularly quiet zone design and crossing upgrades.

Manfred Bayerlein, chief executive officer of TUV Rheinland North America, has been named chairman of Verband der TUV e.V. (VdTUV), the association of technical inspection agencies or TUVs. He will chair the association for the next two years. The free-trade agreement between the European Union and the United States will top his agenda as chairman.

Peter Josefchak has joined Stantec as heavy rail lead in the Midwest. Based in Chicago, he will focus on expanding the firm's heavy-rail market share and be responsible for Stantec's rail business. Also, he will lead some of the firm's major rail infrastructure projects. Josefchak has more than 42 years of experience in engineering and railroad transportation, including 13 years with Canadian Pacific as a divisional operating officer, transportation analyst, transport planner and cost analyst.