Rail supplier news from Icomera, Cisco, HiRail and Alstom (Jan. 21)

Icomera has signed a 10-year managed services agreement with VIA Rail Canada for the deployment of Wi-Fi and a digital platform aboard the new Quebec City-Windsor corridor fleet. Icomera will lead the development of onboard passenger Wi-Fi, which will enable VIA Rail to provide riders with a reliable internet connection. The onboard digital platform will include content from VIA Rail’s website and tracking of the train’s journey. Delivery, installation and testing will take place in Sacramento, California, and Montreal before the commissioning of the first train set in fourth-quarter 2022.

Cisco will expand its Cisco Catalyst 9000 portfolio to bring more enterprise-grade switching capabilities to industries operating in harsh environments. The initiative will also support critical infrastructure such as rail, utilities and roadways. The company’s new Catalyst Industrial Ethernet 9300 switch is purpose-built for information and operational technology systems to automate network operations and improve the safety and security of corporate networks, according to a Cisco press release. This and other Cisco initiatives and projects aim to modernize the power grid, enhancing its agility and ability to respond to high demand.

Custom Truck One Source has acquired HiRail Leasing, Northshore Rail Contracting and Heavy Equipment Repairs, collectively known as HiRail, for $46 million. HiRail, which has over 600 rental units, is among the largest rail equipment rental providers in Canada, serving leading railroads and rail contractors. The company offers light duty, medium duty and heavy duty trucks with an array of rail gear, mechanic and welding equipment, snowplows and other features. HiRail has two locations in Ontario and Alberta, which will extend Custom Truck’s geographical reach in Canada.

Alstom has received Top Employer 2022 certification in Europe, Asia-Pacific and North America with certificates in 14 countries. This is the company’s third consecutive year of recognition in Europe and second year of recognition in Asia-Pacific and North America. Alstom announced it’s looking to hire 7,500 people worldwide in 2022 to respond to growing demand for modern sustainable mobility, including 6,000 engineerings and managers and 1,500 workers and technicians. New hires would be working on projects for rolling stock, signaling and services. Half of the permanent position openings are for engineers.