Rail supplier news from Freightcar, PS Technology, Vossloh, TekTracking, Digi, Cylus and Bohr (Aug. 1)

FreightCar America Inc. has entered into a multiyear agreement to convert tank cars to upgraded specifications. The scope of the agreement includes the upgrade of more than 1,000 existing DOT 111 tank cars to DOT 117R tank cars over a two-year period. The pact leverages FreightCar America’s capabilities by adding tank-car conversions to its diversified offerings, company officials said in a press release. The completed tank cars will receive new exterior tank jackets, thermal protection and other upgrades. As part of a federally mandated program, all tank cars transporting certain hazardous and flammable liquids must be upgraded by 2029.

PS Technology, a wholly owned subsidiary of Union Pacific Railroad, and L&T Technology Services Ltd., a global digital engineering and R&D services company, announced a strategic partnership around mobility aimed at bringing cutting-edge simulation technology to the railways market in India and adjacent geographies. The companies have signed a memorandum of understanding to focus on the design, development and supply of advanced AI-based simulation technologies, poised to significantly enhance the operational efficiency and safety of rail infrastructure in India and overseas.

Vossloh France signed an agreement with TowerBrook Capital Partners regarding the acquisition of Sateba Group. Headquartered in Paris, Sateba is a manufacturer of concrete ties in Europe and has expanded its portfolio in recent years to include other rail infrastructure components and related products. The purchase price for the acquisition is expected to be 450 million euros. With a total of 19 production sites in 10 European countries, Sateba has a production capacity of around 4 million track and turnout ties per year.

TekTracking LLC, a company specializing in railroad asset management technology, announced GIO Rail of Ontario has chosen TekTracking's TIMPS system for managing track inspection, maintenance and scheduling activities. TIMPS augments railroads' existing track and roadbed inspection process while providing digitized inspection and maintenance reports to support failure trend analysis analytics. The agreement with GIO Rail "marks an important addition to our Canadian railroad client base," said TekTracking CEO Gregory Fogarty in a press release.

Digi International, a global provider of Internet of Things connectivity products and services, announced a collaboration with Cylus, a global leader in rail cybersecurity. The new strategic alliance integrates Cylus’ advanced cybersecurity solution, CylusOne, into the Digi TX64 5G Rail cellular router solution to deliver an "unprecedented level" of cyber protection for rail networks, according to a joint press release from the companies.

Bohr Electronics announced several promotions. These changes reflect the company's commitment to enhancing its customer service and supporting the expanding interest in its core repair business and Central Railway MFG (CRM) product line of onboard data system solutions and software technology. Dillon Steen has been promoted to product manager for the CRM product line. Previously he was business development manager. Steen has been with Bohr since January 2022. In addition, Alexis Neal has been promoted to customer support manager, transitioning from her former role as customer support specialist for the past two years. Neal will lead the customer support team at the Chattanooga, Tennessee, headquarters.