Rail supplier news from GE, Vossloh, Alstom, Cubic and Michael Baker (Dec. 2)

GE Transportation has obtained an order to supply 10 Class 70 PowerHaul locomotives to freight operator Colas Rail in the United Kingdom. The locomotives will be assembled at GE's plant in Erie, Pa., for entry into service in 2014.

Vossloh Fastening Systems has been awarded a $40.6 million contract to supply fastening systems for a high-speed line extending from Mecca to Medina in Saudi Arabia. The fasteners will be shipped out before year's end. Traffic on the line is slated to start in 2015.

Alstom obtained a contract from the Sardinian Regional Transport Company to supply and install a new signaling system for the Monserrato-Senorbì and Macomer-Nuoro lines in Sardinia, Italy. The overall project value is about $47 million, of which Alstom's share is $34 million. The signaling system is slated for delivery in 2015.

Alstom also announced it reached a high-speed record in Poland at 182 mph while conducting tests on its Pendolino train on the Gora Wlodowska-Psary line north-west of Krakow. The record was reached as Alstom was conducting tests in partnership with its customer, Polish operator PKP Intercity, to obtain circulation permission for the 20 Pendolino trains ordered by PKP Intercity in 2011.

Cubic Corp. has completed its $70 million acquisition of Serco's Transport Solutions business, subject to adjustment as set forth in the purchase agreement. Cubic announced in June that it had entered into exclusive due diligence for the acquisition. Serco’s Transport Solutions business will become a part of Cubic Transportation Systems, a leading integrator of payment and information technology and services for intelligent travel solutions.

Edward La Guardia has joined Michael Baker International as chief engineer of the rail and transit practice. He has more than 34 years experience in rail operations, engineering and construction management. In his past role with the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority, La Guardia managed the engineering, construction and operating maintenance of the physical plant for all modes of the agency.