Rail supplier news from Motive Power, Hoffman, Bombardier and Cando Rail (March 28)

Motive Power Resources Inc. has completed its first locomotive overhaul at its new facility in Minooka, Ill. The rebuilt locomotive is an EMD SD38. The overhaul included upgrading the unit with a ZTR Nexus system, according to a Motive Power press release. The facility features 30,000 square feet of heavy locomotive overhaul and repair space, as well as a 12,000-square-foot warehouse to accommodate new, rebuilt and qualified parts and components.

Sound Transit's board has awarded a $159.8 million contract to Hoffman Construction Co. to build the U District Station finishes for the Northgate Link Extension. The contract covers constructing civil, structural and architectural finishes for the underground station in Seattle's University District. The work also includes elevators and escalators, mechanical and electrical equipment, fire protection and emergency ventilation systems, surface restoration, landscaping and 100 spaces for bike parking. Construction is scheduled to begin in June, according to a Sound Transit press release.

Bombardier Transportation and its Malaysia-based partner Hartasuma Sdn Bhd announced that they will deliver 27 Bombardier Innovia Metro 300 trains for the Kelana Jaya light-rail transit line in Malaysia. Bombardier's share of the $388 million order is valued at $266 million. Since 1998, Bombardier has received three orders from Malaysian transit operator Prasarana Malaysia Berhad for a total of 374 vehicles.

Cando Rail Services has appointed Tim Yamashita vice president of engineering and track services. Yamashita will be responsible for managing the firm's design, build and maintenance services, according to a Cando Rail a press release. He previously worked for nearly 30 years at Canadian Pacific, where he most recently served as senior director of engineering works and systems. Yamashita held various other roles within the Class I's engineering departments.