Rail supplier news from Siemens, RailTerm, Agracel and A&R Logistics (May 27)

Siemens Mobility announced yesterday it has agreed to acquire RailTerm, a North American rail services provider. Expected to close July 1, the acquisition will enable Siemens Mobility in Canada to expand its existing portfolio with on-the-ground track and signaling, electrification and communication systems servicing expertise, company officials said in a press release. "Canada’s rail industry is poised for unparalleled growth as its major cities introduce safe, efficient and innovative passenger rail services, while its freight carriers transition from decades-old mechanical, hardware-based legacy systems to tomorrow’s cloud-based digitalized systems," said Yves Desjardins-Siciliano, chief executive officer of Siemens Mobility in Canada.

Agracel Inc., which provides industrial development services to rural communities, has launched a new affiliate, Agracel Rail Holdings. The subsidiary will develop short line and regional railroad services in North America. Agracel previously co-developed the Effingham Railroad and Illinois Western Railroad in Illinois. Upon its launch, Agracel Rail announced a new agreement with the Lawrence Economic Development Corporation to redevelop and operate rail infrastructure located at the Point Industrial Park in South Point, Ohio. “What sets us apart from other short-line companies is our focus on rural community development and the expertise we've brought together," said Dean Bingham, president and chief executive officer of Agracel, in a press release.

A&R Logistics, a North American supply chain services provider to the chemical industry, has started operations at its new liquid chemical transloading station in Moncks Corner, South Carolina, near Charleston. In November 2020, A&R opened an export facility in Charleston, where it packages, exports and imports plastic resin and other materials for some of the world's largest chemical companies. The facility features 160 feet of liquid transload track for loading ISO tank containers and bulk domestic trailers from rail cars. The new transloading station plays into the service provider's relationship with CSX, A&R officials said in a press release.