Rail supplier news from Brandt, HDR, Cambridge, IMC, Rototilt, NRC and REMSA (June 2)

The Brandt Group of Cos. announced plans to hire more than 1,000 new employees by the end of 2021. The new positions will span the Saskatchewan-based company's international network, focusing on roles in Canada and the United States. The new hires will bolster Brandt's existing operations in various industries including rail, according to a Brandt press release. Positions will be filled in the skilled trades, sales, finance, marketing, customer support, IT and more as the company expands its support team to meet the needs of a rapidly growing customer base.

HDR Inc. has expanded its multimodal transportation services by acquiring WKE in Santa Ana, California. The combined firm will do business as HDR | WKE. Founded in 2007, WKE’s expertise in design and construction management includes streets and highway corridors, bridges, runway structures, rail and transit facilities, and ports and harbors. Their practice complements HDR’s collaborative, full life-cycle approach to infrastructure development and delivery of critical transportation programs in the Southwest region, according to an HDR press release.

Cambridge Systematics has launched its Equity-In-Action grant program. The grant is designed to help nonprofit and grassroots community-based organizations advance their equity goals by providing access to CS’ proprietary data and transportation consulting services. Grant applications are due July 15.

IMC Cos. announced the following changes to its leadership team: Donna Lemm was promoted to chief commercial officer from executive vice president of national sales; Katie George Hooser was promoted to chief marketing officer from VP of marketing and communications; Mike Baker, previously chief financial officer, was named strategic financial officer; and Ted Showalter, previously VP of finance, was named CFO.

Hultdins, Olofsfors and Rototilt North America founders Gerry Mallory and Rick Gordon are retiring. Hultdins Inc. was established in 1993 and also represented Indexator Rotators from the beginning. Olofsfors Tracks were the next Swedish product to be represented in 1995, followed by Rototilt Tiltrotators in 1999. In 2008, Mallory Gordon Management was established to manage three independent North American companies for Hultdins, Olofsfors, and Rototilt. Today all three companies have dedicated facilities and organizations located in Brantford, Ontario.

The National Railroad Construction and Maintenance Association’s (NRC) May 13 virtual auction was one of its most successful auctions, according to an NRC newsletter. More than two dozen sellers listed more than 132 items. More than 236 people logged in to view the livestream, and 72 people bid or submitted pre-bids on the available items. Popular items included excavators, tampers and hi-rail trucks. The auction helps raise funds for the NRC's safety, training and education programs.

The Railway Engineering-Maintenance Suppliers Association (REMSA) has hired TGA Association Management Solutions LLC for association management and government affairs services. “TGA AMS brings industry expertise and new growth opportunities for REMSA and its members,” said REMSA Chairman Jay Gowan in a press release.