Rail supplier news from Universal Logistics, Parsec, Keolis, AECOM, LongWater and Digi (Oct. 2)

Universal Logistics Holdings Inc. has acquired Parsec LLC, Parsec Intermodal of Canada ULC, and OB Leasing LLC for $193.6 million. Parsec is a terminal management services provider to North American railroads with nearly 2,100 employees at over 20 rail yards. Parsec provides crane and intermodal equipment repair, drayage and container stacking.

Keolis Commuter Services, the operating partner for the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority commuter rail system, will release a request for proposals in December to procure new, modern, multiple unit configuration rolling stock with the capability to operate under overhead catenary systems and via use of on-board batteries. In parallel with the rolling stock procurement process, Keolis will seek proposals from financial institutions for the purchase and lease of the rolling stock. 

AECOM has been subcontracted as the design partner for the first phase of the city of Edmonton’s 2.8-mile extension of the Capital Line south light-rail service. The project includes two new stations and a vehicle storage and maintenance facility in Alberta, Canada. AECOM will be responsible for the line's infrastructure and systems design of the line.

LongWater, an asset management company announced the formation of Cypress Rail Solutions, a rail-car services company formed in partnership with longtime industry executives Randy Meyer and Brian Trammell. Also, Cypress has acquired several rail-car maintenance assets of Northern Plains Rail Services in North Dakota and Minnesota. The company plans to build on its rail-car services platform through additional expansions and investments.

Digi International, a global provider of internet of things (IoT) connectivity products and services, launched Digi 360. The solution supports ease-of-use, deployment visibility and optimized ROI for Digi cellular routers.