Rail supplier news from IONX, Greenbrier, Alstom, PowerRail and NRC (May 2)

Amsted Rail Co.'s IONX LLC and Germany-based freight-rail operator Havellandische Eisenbahn (HVLE) have begun field testing a standards-based wireless intra-train communication system. The action marks IONX's first deployment of such a system in Europe, company officials said in a press release. IONX provides a low-power wireless network running the length of the train, connecting sensors on each wagon to the locomotive. The network includes security features to ensure transported data can be read only by authorized devices, according to IONX.

The Greenbrier Cos. Inc. announced it completed a previously announced investment in Amsted-Maxion Equipamentos E Servicos Ferroviarios S.A. (Greenbrier-Maxion) Finalized April 28, the transaction increased Greenbrier's direct ownership in the company to 60 percent from 19.5 percent. Greenbrier-Maxion is a rail-car manufacturer that handles more than 70 percent of new rail-car production in Brazil. The company also offers aftermarket services, such as rail-car overhaul and refurbishment.

Alstom has inaugurated the first cross-border tramway between France and Germany. The company's infrastructure teams also have designed and installed the overhead contact line and track that runs over the cross-border bridge. The line will use Alstom's Citadis trams, which have capacity for nearly 300 passengers each.

PowerRail Inc. has appointed Jim Fazio director of supply chain. He has 25 years of experience in purchasing, procurement and supply chain management. Fazio previously held positions with IBM and Accenture. Meanwhile, the company announced that PowerRail Distribution again received its Association of American Railroads (AAR) M-1003 quality certification following an audit in late February.

The National Railroad Construction & Maintenance Association (NRC) has begun accepting applications for its 2017 scholarship program. The association will award $12,000 to the first-place applicant, $6,000 to the second-place applicant and $3,000 to the third-place applicant. To be eligible for consideration, an applicant must be a child or grandchild of a current employee of an NRC member company and enrolled full time at an accredited two- or four-year college. More information about the program is available here.