Rail supplier news from Wabtec, Alstom, Greenbrier, AITX and Alpenglow Rail (Jan. 11)

Wabtec Corp. and Rio Tinto announced an order for four FLXdrive battery-electric locomotives to support sustainable operations of the mining company’s rail network in the Pilbara region of Western Australia. The 100%, battery-powered locomotive will help Rio Tinto’s effort to achieve a 50% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 carbon emissions by 2030. Wabtec will deliver the FLXdrive battery locomotives to Rio Tinto in 2023. The mining company plans on using the locomotives in multiple applications, including as a shunter in the rail yard, and ultimately in mainline service.

Alstom has signed a framework contract with Norske Tog for the provision of up to 200 Coradia Nordic regional trains. Valued at over 1.8 billion euros, the contract constitutes the most significant rail procurement in Norway’s history. The first firm order of 30 trains is worth 380 million euros. Delivery of Norske Tog’s new Class 77 regional trains is scheduled to begin in 2025. The new fleet will begin operations as a suburban and fast rail service, connecting Ski and Stabekk in the greater Oslo region.

The Greenbrier Cos. Inc. announced the re-election of Thomas Fargo, Antonio Garza and James Huffines to its board, bringing Greenbrier's total number of directors to 10. Fargo has served on the Greenbrier board since 2015 and as lead director since January 2021. Garza and Huffines have served as board members since July 2021.

American Industrial Transport Inc. has filled two account management positions within its rail-car repair services business. Terry Hicks has been hired as repair services account manager. He has over 20 years of experience in technical sales and marketing for rail-car services across repair, transporting, short-line operations, storage and full-service maintenance. Also, Vince Mantia assumed the new account manager role, promoted from customer service supervisor at AITX. Vince has over 10 years of experience in technical quality assurance across AITX, Greenbrier, R&S Machining and Patriot Machine.

Alpenglow Rail in partnership with Connor, Clark & Lunn Infrastructure has acquired Orange Rail Inc. from LJA Investments Inc. Orange Rail is a newly constructed rail terminal in Orange, Texas, that’s served by BNSF Railway Co. and Union Pacific Railroad. The terminal features a loop track capable of handling 120-car unit trains and about 600 rail-car storage spots. The acquisition is part of the ongoing expansion of CC&L Infrastructure’s and Alpenglow’s partnership forged in 2019 to develop and operate a diversified portfolio of North American rail businesses. Orange Rail will join Alpenglow’s USA Rail Terminals subsidiary. Alpenglow and CC&L Infrastructure also own and operate VIP Rail, which comprises two rail-car cleaning, storage, switching and transload terminals in Sarnia, Ontario, that are served by CSX and CN.