Rail supplier news from Holland, Axion, CTC, Bombardier, Parsons Brinckerhoff and TRAC Intermodal (Nov. 13)

Holland L.P. recently announced the following promotions as part of strategic organizational changes within the maintenance-of-way division: Dick Morris, to senior director of operations, U.S. & Mexico Welding Group, where he will oversee all welding operations; Jeff Hajkowicz, to senior director of welding equipment, technology and training; Kevin Piefer, to senior director operations, Canada Welding Group; and Mike Hakenjos, to continuous improvement manager, MOW Product Group.

Axion International Holdings Inc. announced it anticipates a strong finish to 2013 and plans to double manufacturing capacity at its plant in Waco, Texas, as well as acquire new processing equipment that will support growth in demand for its ECOTRAX® crossties and building products, said President and Chief Executive Officer Steve Silverman in a press release. Axion reported $3.3 million in sales for 2013's first half, with a remaining shippable backlog of $3.8 million for the year's balance.

The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) has chosen CTC Inc. as the prime consultant to help the state advance its railroad preemption projects, the company announced. CTC will assist the Ohio Rail Development Commission and ODOT with developing and administering projects for existing interconnected grade crossings, including overall project management, project engineering and in-service testing. The firm also will continue to assist ODOT in implementing the state's engineering standards for all preemption projects.

Bombardier Transportation received the Excellence in Technology prize at the inaugural European Rail Congress Award ceremony in London yesterday. The prize recognized Bombardier's FLEXX Tronic WAKO system, a mechatronic solution designed to compensate the natural roll of a rail car.

Savannah Maziya has been named chairwoman of Parsons Brinckerhoff Africa (Pty) Ltd. She has extensive industry experience, including as group chief executive officer of Bunengi Holdings Ltd., and national sales and investment manager at Cacharel. She also served as president of Serengeti Portfolio of Prestige, and was CEO of the African Broadcast Network. Maziya will be based in the Parson Brinckerhoff Africa's Johannesburg office.

Val Noel has joined TRAC Intermodal as senior vice president and chief operating officer. Prior to joining the firm, he held several senior leadership positions at Pacer International Inc. and its Pacer Cartage affiliate, most recently as executive vice president of intermodal operations and president, respectively. From 1983 to 2002, Noel was president of CSX Intermodal.