Rail supplier news from CRRC, GE, Timken, Loram, American Refining Group and NRC (Sept. 21)

At InnoTrans 2018 in Berlin, Germany, China Railway Rolling Stock Corp. (CRRC) unveiled its Cetrovo train, a carbon-fiber unit that's 13 percent lighter than traditional steel or aluminum subway trains. The units feature car windows that can be transformed into touch-screen displays and other "advanced technical features," including internet-enabled touch-screen mirrors and self-cleaning seats, company officials said in a press release.

GE Transportation has announced a new high-speed diesel engine program that will serve the locomotive, marine and power generation segments. The engine platform will be designed to provide improved fuel efficiency and reliability, along with lower lifecycle costs, company officials said in a press release. GE is designing the high-speed diesel engine in 12- and 16-cylinder configurations with a maximum-rated horsepower of 2,500 and 3,3300, respectively.

The Timken Co. has completed its acquisition of Rollon Group, which provides engineered linear-motion products. Rollon specializes in the design and manufacture of engineered linear guides, telescopic rails and linear actuators used in several industries, including passenger rail. Terms of the acquisition weren't disclosed in a company press release, but Crain's Cleveland Business reported that Timken is paying $545 million to buy the company.

Loram Maintenance of Way Inc. has appointed Stephen Mannix managing director of Loram Pty. Ltd., the company's Australian subsidiary. He has 15 years of experience with Loram and its related companies in Canada and the United States, including contributing to the firm's acquisition of Georgetown Rail Equipment Co. Loram has been active in the Australian rail market for more than 5 decades, said Loram President and Chief Executive Officer Phil Homan in a press release.

American Refining Group Inc. has added Anju Singla to its sales team as a railroad sales specialist. She has eight years of experience in lubricants sales and more than a decade of experience in research and development. Most recently, Singla served as a sales representative for Soltex Inc. for customers in the Midwest, East Coast and Canada.

The National Railroad Construction & Maintenance Association (NRC) yesterday commended the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority on its decision to contract out work for the Silver Line's second phase. The opportunity to bid for rail operations and maintenance contracts is a "win" for the rail industry, said NRC board member Marc Hackett in a statement. WMATA officials said that competitive contracting for the project would help control operating and maintenance costs.