Rail supplier news from Bombardier, GE, PowerRail, 360 Rail, CTLGroup and Revolution Rail (June 20)

Bombardier Transportation has signed a $1.1 billion contract with FirstGroup and MTR Corp. to supply and maintain 750 Aventra passenger-rail cars for operation on the South Western franchise in the United Kingdom. The deal marks the largest single contract for Aventra trains, Bombardier officials said in a press release. The trainmaker also will execute a technical services and spares supply agreement with an extension option for the seven-year franchise. Rock Rail, the UK-based rolling stock investment consortium, will finance the procurement. Aventra electric multiple units will feature regenerative braking and passenger amenities that include air conditioning, Wi-Fi, USB sockets and improved passenger information systems.

GE Transportation has signed a $575 million letter of intent with Egyptian National Railways (ENR) and Egypt's Ministry of Transportation to supply 100 ES30ACi Light Evolution Series locomotives for freight and passenger services. The locomotives are equipped with 3,200-horsepower GE Evolution series engines, according to a GE press release. The company also signed a 15-year agreement covering locomotive parts and technical support for ENR's new and current fleet.

PowerRail Locomotive Services has begun a facility improvement project in Monroe, Ga. The company will expand the existing facility, install two overhead cranes and build a side building for running repairs. PowerRail Inc. purchased the locomotive facility in early 2014. Since then, the company has invested in new equipment, added and replaced rail, and added staff. The firm also created PowerRail Mobile Maintenance, which operates out of the Monroe location and operates across the United States. PowerRail Locomotive Services provides locomotive and freight-car services, including light repair, re-wires, engine component changeout and truck overhauls.

360 Rail Services LLC has acquired Railroad Specialities Inc., a company involved in the design, construction, maintenance and repair of rail lines. Terms were not disclosed. Founded earlier this year, 360 Rail Services provides engineering, design, construction, maintenance, logistics and transloading services. The acquisition is critical for the company as it continues to expand, said Larry Stockton, chief executive officer and a founder of 360 Rail Services.

CTLGroup has appointed David Mizwicki vice president and chief financial officer. Before joining the company, he held senior leadership positions in finance and accounting, including a stint as CFO for health-care firm TRM. Mizwicki also was CFO of Valdes Engineering and held leadership roles at Brightstar Corp., Sears Holdings Corp. and Motorola.

Rail-car industry veteran Don Walsh has formed The Revolution Rail Group Inc., which will offer rail-car consulting services, including project management, process flow review, billing repair card (BRC) and program review, and facility and organization operational oversight. Based in Algonquin, Ill., The Revolution Rail Group also can assist those looking to acquire, sell or lease assets. Walsh previously worked for The Greenbrier Cos. Inc., Rescar, GE and Freedom Railcar Solutions.