Rail supplier updates from Siemens, Alstom, Kelso and AREMA (Feb. 1)

Siemens has completed the first stainless steel passenger coach car shell for All Aboard Florida's (AAF) future "Brightline" train service between Miami and Orlando, Fla. The shell is part of the first of Brightline's initial five four-car train sets that will each carry 240 passengers, with more train sets to follow as the service expands. Using more than 50,000 welds to fuse the car together, Siemens is employing first-of-its-kind spot-welding technology to build the car shells, Siemens and AAF officials said in a joint press release. Meanwhile, AAF last week poured the first concrete foundation for its running repair facility in West Palm Beach, Fla., where Brightline trains will be serviced and housed. The facility is expected to be in operation in August. The first phase of AAF's Brightline service will begin in mid-2017.

Alstom has appointed Henri Poupart-Lafarge chairman and chief executive officer. He replaces Patrick Kron, whose resignation goes into effect Feb. 1. Poupart-Lafarge joined Alstom in 1998 and has worked in a variety of positions, including head of investor relations, senior vice president of finance and chief financial officer. In 2011, he was named president of Alstom's transport sector.

Kelso Technologies Inc. has renewed its M1003 manufacturing status under the Association of American Railroads' (AAR) policies and guidelines. The AAR last month conducted a full manufacturing audit of the company's facility in Bonham, Texas, in accordance with the M1003 regulations. The audit is required to maintain the M1003 certification, which is required for all tank car valve manufacturers. AAR's audit was completed with no adverse findings, Kelso officials said in a press release.

The American Railway Engineering and Maintenance-of-Way Association (AREMA) Educational Foundation, in cooperation with the U.S. Committee to the Watford Group of International Railway Designers, has created the Watford Fellowship. The program provides two paid registrations to the 2016 Watford Conference in the Scandinavian region. The four-day conference, which is expected to be held in late October, includes presentations by attendees in all aspects of railway planning and design with an emphasis on buildings, bridge and tunnel structures, and corporate identity. Those interested in applying can visit the AREMA Education Foundation website. Applications are due April 10.