Rail supplier updates from Kelso, Alstom, Bombardier, GATX and Parsons Brinckerhoff (April 28)

Kelso Technologies submitted a final application to the Association of American Railroads for service trial testing of a new bottom outlet valve (BOV) for rail cars. The BOV is designed to utilize high-performance ceramic material to circumvent problems of ball corrosion and operating damage, company officials said. Designed to meet the latest Federal Railroad Administration requirements, the valve will fit all existing DOT-111 and CPC-1232 tank cars, in addition to new DOT-117 cars, Kelso officials said.

Italian national train operator Trenitalia awarded Alstom two contracts worth $185 million to supply an additional 25 "Jazz" regional trains. An Electric Multiple Unit train capable of speeds of 100 mph, the Jazz model is the latest generation in Alstom's Coradia Meridian line. The new trains will bring Trenitalia's fleet of Jazz trains to 95 trainsets.

Bombardier's high-speed Frecciarossa 1000 train recently completed its first journey in Italy. Italian transport operator Ferrovie dell Stato Italiane hosted the trip from Milan to Rome. Slated to begin commercial service in June 2015, the train has a top commercial speed of 220 mph, according to a Bombardier press release.

GATX Corp. reported first-quarter net income of $62.2 million, up $20 million compared with the same quarter last year. Earnings rose to $1.39 per share from 90 cents in the previous-year quarter. Total sales were $319.7 million, up 11 percent. Higher lease rates and positive contribution from the box-car fleet acquired last year drove profit for GATX's Rail North America subsidiary, company officials said in a press release.

Parsons Brinckerhoff named Eric Beightel associate director of federal environmental policy. Previously, Beightel worked for the U.S. Department of Transportation, where he served as a senior environmental policy adviser. He also worked for the U.S. Office of Management and Budget, as well as the Federal Highway Administration.