Rail supplier news from Alstom, Tracksure, L.B. Foster, Nomad Digital, Gates Group, Remprex, Sasser and Parsons Brinckerhoff (Dec. 18)

Alstom delivered the new train "Jazz" to the Abruzzo region in southern Italy at the Pescara rail station. The Jazz is part of the 70 regional trains ordered by Trenitalia in November 2012, among which four are intended for the Abruzzo region. All the trains will be delivered by the end of 2015. Meanwhile, Alstom is incorporating eco-design into its electronic traction equipment for metros and, in particular, its IMPN safety unit, which was designed to ensure the safety of the train in the event of drive train anomalies, according to a company press release. The approach has cut the energy consumption of the safety unit by 32 percent, reduced greenhouse-gas emissions throughout the lifecycle by 31 percent and lowered the consumption of natural resources by 56 percent.

Tracksure, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Wheelsure Holdings Ltd., and L.B. Foster Co. have concluded an exclusive distribution agreement that authorizes L.B. Foster to sell the Tracksure fastener range throughout North America. The company's range of specialist rail fasteners are designed to prevents nuts from loosening due to vibration and settlement, and offer railroads significant safety and operational benefits, according to a Tracksure press release.

Gates Group Capital Partners LLC has made a "substantial" equity investment in Remprex LLC, which provides services to intermodal rail terminals, including the design, engineering, installation and operation of Automated Gate Systems (AGS). Remprex's end-to-end solutions are designed to maximize operating efficiencies through AGS, remote operations and load planning, according to a company press release. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Leo Express is now delivering faster WiFi internet speeds on its intercity trains. The Nomad PEP Charger solution has provided significant improvements for WiFi users. Leo Express, a privately run rail service in the Czech Republic, selected Nomad to provide the passenger WiFi service on its new Stadler Flirt fleet, according to a Nomad press release.

Sasser Family Holdings has hired Tom Frevert as training manager. He will head Sasser's corporate-wide training initiative known as Sasser University. Frevert comes to Sasser with more than 15 years of experience in training and management roles at companies such as Harris Bank Corp., CDW and Staples Inc.

The American Public Transportation Association (APTA) has recognized Parsons Brinckerhoff with a "Silver designation" for the firm's sustainability practices as part of APTA's Sustainability Commitment program. "Parsons Brinckerhoff has shown great resolve in lessening their environmental impact at all levels, from office efficiency to sustainability in building processes, and to improving metrics for such a large organization," said APTA President and Chief Executive Officer Michael Melaniphy in a press release.