Rail supplier news from Ballard, Marmon Rail, Wabtec and FreightCar America (Nov. 7)

Ballard Power Systems has received an order for 2.4 MW of additional fuel cell engines from Canadian Pacific Kansas City. The 12, 200 kW fuel cell engines are planned for delivery in 2023 and will support the development of CPKC's additional hydrogen-powered locomotives planned for regular switching and local freight service applications in Alberta, Ballard officials said in a press release. Over the past two years, Ballard has supplied CPKC with 38 fuel cell engines for use in its hydrogen locomotives, with combined fuel cell power of 7.6 MW. The additional locomotives are expected to enter service in late 2024.

Marmon Rail appointed Kate Suprenuk president of rail-car leasing for North America. In this role, Suprenuk will lead the leasing business of Union Tank Car Co. (UTLX) and Procor Ltd., which encompasses all of Marmon Holdings rail-car leasing activities across North America. Procor Leasing Randy Pocrnick will retain his current responsibilities and report to Suprenuk. Her promotion coincides with the announcement of the retirement of Bill Constantino, current group president of Marmon Rail Leasing. As of Jan. 1, 2024, Constantino will assume the role of senior vice president of advisory services, with plans to retire later in the year, according to a news release.

Wabtec Corp. has released its 2023 Sustainability Report. In the report, Wabtec disclosed for the first time its complete Scope 3 emissions, defined as indirect greenhouse gas emissions from sources not owned or controlled by the company but related to its activities, according to a news release. Wabtec also detailed several efforts and accomplishments to advance its ESG strategy and goals. “This report demonstrates our dedication to expanding the possible and contributing to a better, more sustainable world through our unique business offerings, leading technologies and innovations, and our extraordinary global teams," said Lilian Leroux, Wabtec’s chief strategy and sustainability officer, in a press release.

FreightCar America Inc. reported third-quarter revenue of $61.9 million on 503 rail-car deliveries, down 27.8% compared with revenue of $85.7 million on 783 rail-car deliveries in Q3 2022. Net income in Q3 2023 was $3.2 million and adjusted net income was $176,000. The company reported rail-car orders of 1,015 in Q3 and 3,356 year to date, with the quarter-end backlog totaling 3,800 cars for an aggregate value of $452 million.