Rail supplier news from Amsted, Greenbrier, Pandrol, Bow Transit and Bear Power (May 4)

Amsted Digital Solutions announced a new multiyear contract with The Greenbrier Cos.' European operations (Greenbrier Europe) to supply the IQ Series gateway, an onboard device that delivers operational and logistics data without requiring additional sensors. The gateway features a hybrid power design that uses solar and rechargeable batteries, extending performance life by up to 10 years. It also includes GPS data, rail car arrival and departure updates, mileage data and last-mile delivery alerts and can be installed on the body of rail car. Greenbrier will use the data to help its leasing customers improve safety, planning and shipment management and identify bottlenecks.

Pandrol promoted John Dowie to chief commercial and sales officer. He joined the company in May 2022 to head business development for the Asia-Pacific region. Prior to joining Pandrol, Dowie spent seven years in senior roles at Wabtec Control Systems. He has a background in operations, service delivery, strategic planning, sales and business development.

Bow Transit Connectors (BTC) was named the development partner of the Green Line light-rail transit project in Calgary, Alberta. BTC is a consortium consisting of Barnard Constructors of Canada, Flatiron Constructors Canada Ltd. and WSP Canada Inc., as well as financial adviser EllisDon Capital Inc. The announcement launched the project's development phase — allowing for collaboration, design progression and agreement on project costs, risks and schedule between BTC and Green Line's board. The project's first phase of construction will add 11 miles of track. The total project cost is CA$5.5 billion.

Bear Power Supplies, a division of electronics designer and manufacturer Z-AXIS Inc., received a purchase order to develop an energy-efficient trackside power supply for the railroad industry. The low-voltage power supply will feature a custom design that can withstand large power surges, vibrations from moving trains and environmental conditions. The power supply also will be designed to last more than 25 years. This will be the third custom power supply that Bear has designed and made for rail, according to a company press release.