Rail supplier news from WSP, Harsco, Stadler, Siemens and Hanson (Aug. 31)

Sound Transit has tapped WSP USA to perform design-build project management services for its Link light-rail extension to downtown Redmond, Washington. The 3.4-mile, elevated line will run from the Redmond Technology Station near Microsoft's  headquarters to the Redmond Town Center. The extension is the final segment of Sound Transit's East Link light-rail corridor. WSP's preconstruction services will include preparation and review of the design-build contract request for proposals, company officials said in a press release. The contract's financial value was not disclosed.

Harsco Rail obtained a contract from Singapore's Land Transport Authority to deliver a 16-stone grinder. Designed to accommodate electric motors, the grinder will operate on Singapore's new Thomson-East Coast passenger-rail line. Harsco has had a "strong partnership" with LTA for the past 15 years, said Harsco Rail President Jeswant Gill in a press release. The contract's value was not disclosed.

Stadler has shipped the second double-deck dome car to Canada for the Rocky Mountaineer's luxury passenger line. As the vehicle makes its way across the Atlantic Ocean, the first unit is completing track testing in Canada, Stadler officials said in a press release. In 2015, the company received an order for the design, development and production of 10 custom GoldLeaf rail cars to complete Rocky Mountaineers' fleet. Each car's capacity is 72 passengers on the upper deck, which features electronically adjustable and rotatable seats.

Bentley Systems and Siemens have agreed to further develop joint business cooperation and commercial initiatives. As a result, their investment in a joint innovation program will grow from $58 million to about $116 million. The move comes as the firms' jointly offered products and cloud services enter the market, officials said in a joint press release.

Hanson Professional Services Inc. has hired Ronda Folkerts as chief financial officer as Jo Ellen Keim transitions into retirement. Before joining Hanson, Folkerts worked for H. D. Smith for 15 years, most recently serving as corporate vice president of finance. She currently serves as treasurer of the Lincoln Land Community College Foundation's board. Keim joined the company in 1995 as director of the corporate services division. She was named CFO in 2000, senior vice president in 2005 and executive VP in 2014.