Rail supplier news on CRRC, Wabtec, Parsons, Duos, STRABAG, Wells Fargo and STV (Feb. 22)

CRRC, the Chinese state-owned rail equipment manufacturer, is the subject of the European Commission's (EC) first in-depth investigation using the new Foreign Subsidies Regulation, according to a statement from the EC. The investigation revolves around a public procurement procedure launched by Bulgaria’s Ministry of Transport and Communications. During the investigation, the EC will further assess the alleged foreign subsidies and obtain all the information required to establish whether they may have allowed CRRC Qingdao Sifang Locomotive to submit an unduly advantageous offer in reply to a tender.

Wabtec Corp. has landed an agreement with MRS Logistica in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil, to provide 30 new Evolution Series locomotives. The deal is valued at approximately R$500 million, with the first deliveries scheduled for 2024. The purchase is part of MRS’ railway fleet renewal strategy. Launched in 2022, the ES44ACi model locomotives are equipped with 12-cylinder Evolution Series diesel engines, which produce 4,500 horsepower, according to a Wabtec press release.

Parsons Corp. has been contracted by the city of Oakland Department of Transportation to perform engineering design and cost estimates of the Embarcadero West Rail Safety and Access Improvements project. Valued at $25 million, the contract includes designs for eight at-grade intersections, a multi-use trail and traffic signal plans. The project will include rail safety, pedestrian improvements and quiet zone improvements, including a fence along the tracks at designated crossings on the Embarcadero rail corridor.

Duos Technologies Group Inc. has signed a subscription agreement with a Mexican rail operator for artificial intelligence detections, empowering the rail operator to enhance its current rail-car inspection capabilities. The agreement includes the renewal of an annual services and maintenance contract, which now encompasses expanded support through Duos' preventative maintenance checks and services program and field services support.

STRABAG Inc. obtained a contract with Infrastructure Ontario and Metrolinx for the Eglinton Crosstown West Extension–Advance Tunnel 2 project. The extension includes a 500-meter tunnel from east of Jane Street to Mount Dennis Station. The project is being delivered through a public-private partnership.

Wells Fargo Rail hired Ryan Miller as executive director of mechanical operations. He will be responsible for mechanical operations for the company, which serves as one of North America's largest rail-car and locomotive lessors in North America. Miller will lead the strategic direction across the business’s maintenance, engineering, logistics, procurement, and industry relations functions, according to a company news release. Most recently, he was vice president of equipment for TTX Co. and previously held operations and equipment leadership positions with BNSF Railway Co., Kansas City Southern and Trinity Industries.

STV named Claire Brinkley vice president and strategic growth director for the firm’s transportation South/Central group. Based in Charlotte, North Carolina, Brinkley will work with clients in the Carolinas while spearheading the firm’s strategic business expansion into the growing highway and transit market, according to an STV news release. Brinkley has more than 18 years of experience in the transportation industry. Before joining STV, she led the Charlotte office for a national architecture, engineering and construction firm.