Rail supplier news from Bombardier, Koppers, Jacobs, HDR, Atlas Copco and FTR (Jan. 30)

The Queensland government in Australia has ordered 75 new six-car trains, maintenance services for 30 years and the construction of a maintenance center under a 32-year public-private partnership. A consortium comprising Bombardier Transportation, John Laing, ITOCHU Corp. and Uberior will deliver the order. The previously announced total value of the contract is $4.1 billion, of which Bombardier's share is valued at $2.7 billion.

Koppers Inc. and Norfolk Southern Corp. have agreed to extend their two existing sales contracts to supply crossties and related rail products and services for an additional three years. These long-term contract extensions, combined with a current contract to supply rail joint products, further strengthens the long-standing relationship between Koppers and NS, according to a Koppers press release.

Jacobs Engineering Group Inc. obtained a contract from the Volpe National Transportation Systems Center to provide monitoring and technical assistance for a Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) grant and loan program. The five-year, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity multiple award task order contract has a maximum order limit of $70 million. Under the terms of the contract, Jacobs is working with the Volpe Center to provide support to FRA grantees and borrowers in a variety of areas that include monitoring, technical assistance, compliance, program management, deliverable review and training.

HDR Engineering Inc. has committed to increase its partnership with WTS International. An historically Champion-level partner in support of the association, HDR will increase its partnership with WTS to the Trailblazer level, making a substantial commitment in support of the association's programs and operations, according to a company press release.

Atlas Copco will supply 200 oil-free scroll compressors to Siemens Germany for its end customer OBB, the Austrian Federal Railways. The compressors will provide oil-free air for the brake system, active tilting suspension and other auxiliary systems in the Siemens Desiro ML type train series, according to a press release.

FTR launched FTRintel.com as part of the organization's efforts to enhance the quality and availability of information for the transportation industry. FTR, previously FTR Associates, designed the site to reflect its identity as the thought leader in transportation forecasting encompassed within its new tagline, Transportation Intelligence, according to a company press release.