Rail supplier news from Thales, CTC, Retlif, AngelTrax and Alstom (June 16)

Thales announced it will develop a "digital factory" to accelerate the company's digital transformation. The new entity will host an incubator for internal and external startups, as well as a "digital academy" to promote digital culture across the company, Thales officials said in a press release. The factory will bring together experts in key digital technologies to serve Thales' five core markets, including ground transportation. By 2018, Thales will recruit 150 experts internally and externally. To finance the new initiative, Thales will invest more than $160 million over three years. Meanwhile, startup campus STATION F selected Thales to manage its cybersecurity program. Thales' initial mission will be to accelerate 20 startups by providing advice, technical expertise and access to technology.

CTC Inc. of Fort Worth, Texas, will mark its 10th year of business this year. Since it began operations in 2007, the communication and signal systems provider has grown from a three-employee shop to a network of more than 50 offices across the United States. CTC's products are deployed on some of North America's most complex grade crossing intersections, company officials said in a press release. CTC's services and products include grade crossing design, quiet zone implementation, and rail signal engineering and design.

The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) has named Retlif Testing Laboratories a "Friend of the IEEE Long Island Section" for providing financial assistance, offering consultative advice and hosting events over the years. IEEE's mission to advance technology mirrors the company's commitment to addressing clients' compliance needs, said Retlif President Walter Poggi in a press release. The IEEE Long Island Section recognizes accomplishments of engineers and computer scientists.

AngelTrax has selected John Shea to manage the company's sales and customer relationships on the West Coast of the United States. In the new job, Shea will oversee sales of the Vulcan™ Series mobile video surveillance solutions in California, Oregon and Washington. He has more than 18 years of experience in sales and account management, and has dedicated the last six years to cultivating client relationships with fleet managers and transportation directors, AngelTrax officials said in a press release.

Alstom has appointed Gian Luca Erbacci senior vice president for Europe. Since November 2015, he has served as senior vice president of Alstom Middle-East and Africa, as well as a member of the Alstom executive committee. In 2009, Erbacci was vice president of the train life services unit of Alstom Transport. Alstom also appointed Didier Pfleger senior vice president Middle-East and Africa. He previously served as vice president Germany and Austria. Before that, Pfleger was senior vice president global solutions of Alstom Transport.