Rail supplier news from RailWorks, Alstom, RailTerm, HOTSTART and REMSA (Jan. 30)

RailWorks Corp. subsidiary L.K. Comstock & Co. Inc. obtained a $98 million contract from the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) to modernize the signal system on the Kings Highway Interlocking in Brooklyn, N.Y. The company will install the upgraded system and equipment compatible with communications-based train control (CBTC), according to a RailWorks press release. RailWorks Transit — another RailWorks subsidiary — will complete the track work and build a one-story relay room, as well as rooms for CBTC and other equipment. The company also will rehabilitate existing rooms. The new relay room will be built over an existing three-track structure and supported on new foundations, columns and structural truss framework. The overall project is slated to wrap up in spring 2021.

Alstom has delivered the first of 18 Metropolis trains that will run on the new Line 3 in Guadalajara, Mexico. The trains reach a max speed of 60 mph and include a communication and information system for passengers. The units also use less energy due to their light weight, optimization of traction performance and energy recovery, Alstom officials said in a press release. The trainsets are being produced in Alstom's factory in Barcelona, Spain.

RailTerm has achieved the ISO 9001:2015 quality management certification from BSI. The certification demonstrates RailTerm's ability to "consistently provide services that meet all applicable statutory, regulatory and customer requirements," company officials said in a press release. The certification covers RailTerm's design and development of rail traffic control software, terminal management, dispatch services, systems integration and custom service solutions, along with track, signal and structure maintenance.

HOTSTART is marking its 75th anniversary this year. The company was established in 1942 as Kimberlin Manufacturing and was purchased by Stanley Power in 1944. In 2009, the name was shortened to HOTSTART. Today, the company's engine heaters are found on locomotives, school buses, heavy-duty trucks, forklifts and other equipment.

The Railway Engineering-Maintenance Suppliers Association (REMSA) has named Urszula Soucie chief operating officer and Sean Winkler director of advocacy. Soucie has been with the association since 2011 and previously served as director of trade shows and operations. She's responsible for growing and maintaining REMSA's membership, administering member benefit programs, organizing conferences and exhibitions and overseeing day-to-day management of the organization. Winkler, who joined REMSA in 2015, previously served as grassroots coordinator. The job involved building the association's grassroots program, advancing media priorities and supporting rail industry initiatives in Washington, D.C.