Rail supplier updates from GE, Gross & Janes, KBR, ThyssenKrupp, KinergyPower and Auto Truck (May 7)

GE Transportation announced Aurizon, Australia's largest freight-rail company, has signed an agreement to implement GE's integrated rail network planning and optimization solution. GE's Movement Planner system and SolveIT Software's applications will optimize network train traffic for Aurizon's Australian network, according to a press release.

Gross & Janes Co. has entered into an agreement to manage and operate two green crosstie processing facilities owned by Boatright Railroad Products in Montevallo and Clanton, Ala. Under the agreement, Gross & Janes will process and pre-treat all green ties at both facilities with its non-pressurized borate treatment. Boatright will complete the tie processing with a creosote or copper napthenate pressurized treatment, and will continue to purchase all green ties to be processed at both facilities, according to a Gross & Janes press release.

KBR has obtained a contract from VicRoads, in an alliance agreement with John Holland, Metro Trains Melbourne and Public Transport Victoria, to provide engineering design services for the $145 million Mitcham Road and Rooks Road grade separation project in Victoria, Australia. The project will provide long-term improvements to public transport and road network efficiencies at two of Victoria's busiest rail crossings.

ThyssenKrupp Group's Materials Services has initiated a sale process for its railway/ construction operations, which have combined sales of about $524 million and employ 800. Materials Services officials believe the two activities will have better development opportunities outside the ThyssenKrupp Group, according to a company press release.

KinergyPower International and KinergyPowerUSA have announced that the KinerRail product successfully completed multiple pilot tests in Greece and India during which the electrical output was verified in actual railroad settings. KinerRail is a modular system designed to be used with a variety of systems, including light rail, freight rail and long-distance passenger service.

Auto Truck has named Mike Pekny regional fleet sales manager. He will oversee development and performance of all sales activities in the Southeast United States. Prior to joining the company, Pekny held several management, sales and marketing positions within the automotive and truck industries.