Rail supplier news from MP&ES, dFuzion, Axion, Auto Truck and Pandrol (Jan. 3)

Motive Power & Equipment Solutions Inc. (MP&ES) announced it has been awarded a Tier 4 emission-compliant open-bid project, and is near completion of the industry's first Tier 4-compliant multi-Genset locomotive. The award is unique because it's the first contract in North America awarded through a competitive bid, according to a company press release. The locomotive, an EMD SW1200 diesel switcher, has been in service at the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA). The unit was repowered once before, but did not meet new emission standards. Once completed, the locomotive will meet Tier 4, MP&ES advanced design specifications and SEPTA requirements, company officials said.

dFuzion Inc. announced that GE Transportation India has purchased a rMetrix® ultraportable ride performance assessment system and accessories for performing vehicle/track evaluation, testing and analysis tasks. rMetrix incorporates GPS and accelerometer sensors with a control software interface to more effectively and efficiently assess ride quality, comfort and safety, according to a company press release.

Axion International Holdings Inc. announced that a major domestic transit line located in the South Central region has issued a $925,000 order for ECOTRAX® composite rail ties. The purchase order will be issued to support two installation projects, with the second phase purchase order to be finalized by the first week of January, company officials announced.

Auto Truck Group has named Pete Dondlinger vice president of operations; Brad Blanco, vice president of information technology, finance and administration; and Pam Bodzioch, human resources manager. Dondlinger, who previously was director of railroad operations, now will oversee operations of all Auto Truck facilities.  Prior to his current role, Blanco served as director of finance. Bodzioch, who has more than 15 years of experience in human resources, is new to the company.
 
Luke Reardon has joined Pandrol USA as a sales and customer service representative. Based in Bridgeport, N.J., Reardon will have internal sales responsibilities and support Northeastern U.S. transit agencies.