Rail supplier news from Skanska, Savage and L.B. Foster (Feb. 21)

Skanska announced the completion of a 90-day pilot program using the Volvo EC230 Electric excavator on the Purple (D Line) Extension Transit Project in Los Angeles, at the South Yard of the La Brea station. Skanska’s program was among the first to pilot the zero-emissions Volvo excavator in North America. The goal of the trial was to test the capability of a battery-powered excavator to perform the necessary construction work, particularly in relation to its diesel-powered counterpart. The excavator was used to load trucks of export construction material from a stockpile. Results of the 90-day trial indicate that the Volvo EC230 Electric performed the necessary activities as intended while keeping the pace of work on schedule, according to a press release. The results noted in the initial findings indicate reduced emissions and lowered costs.

Savage is expanding its operations in Pocatello, Idaho, with the acquisition of the Idaho Rail Shop business and property near Savage Railport–Southern Idaho. Savage provides southern Idaho and northern Utah agriculture producers with closer access to rail so they can ship containerized products to Northwest seaports and connect to global markets more efficiently and cost effectively. Established in 1997, the shop provides rail-car repair services for Idaho businesses. Strategically positioned near the Savage intermodal railport, Idaho Rail Shop is an "ideal" location for transloading materials between rail cars and trucks, according to a Savage press release. Both the intermodal railport and transload terminal connect to Union Pacific Railroad.

L.B. Foster Co. recently unveiled a new brand purpose and visual identity. The new core purpose is: "We innovate to solve global infrastructure challenges." The company also identified five primary areas of influence that add value to its customer partnerships: enabling safety, improving information flow, keeping things moving, monitoring conditions and enhancing environments. “We have come a long way over the 20 years since our now widely recognized red and black L.B. Foster logo was introduced," said President and CEO John Kasel in a press release. "We wanted to invigorate how we present ourselves visually, while also refining our core purpose into a clear and simple message."