Rail supplier news from GATX, PNW, COWI and NARBW

GATX Corp. announced its subsidiary GATX Rail Europe (GRE) has entered into an agreement to acquire 6,000 rail cars from DB Cargo AG, one of Europe’s largest freight-rail operating companies. Under the agreement, GRE will acquire the rail cars and then lease them back to DB Cargo. The transaction is expected to close by the end of 2025, subject to regulatory approvals. "The acquisition of these rail cars will further diversify our portfolio and strengthen our position in the European rail market," said Christopher LaHurd, senior vice president-international of GATX. As of June 30, GRE’s fleet consisted of 30,500 wagons. The portfolio to be acquired is composed of a broad mix of freight rail-car types. Transaction terms, including the purchase price, will be provided upon closing, according to a GATX press release.

PNW Railcars Inc. in August hired Keith Andersen as chief commercial officer. He will be responsible for driving revenue growth and strengthening operations. Andersen has more than 30 years of experience in rail-car leasing and operations, with expertise spanning the full range of rail car asset types. Prior to joining PNW, he served as senior vice President of sales for Wells Fargo–First Union Rail. He spent the majority of his distinguished career in senior leadership roles, according to a PNW press release. PNW is a subsidiary of Mitsubishi HC Capital Inc.

COWI has been appointed lead designer by Connect Plus Partners as part of the design-build contract for Phase 2 of the tunneling and structural shell for the Second Avenue Subway project in New York City. The contract awarded to Connect Plus and COWI includes design, engineering, scheduling, coordination and construction of the tunneling and structural shells. Phase 2 calls for 1.5 miles of twin running tunnels, station shell construction at 116th and 125th Streets, and reuse of an existing tunnel segment built in the 1970s. The nearly $2 billion design-build construction project will extend the Q Line north from 96th Street to 125th Street, according to a COWI press release.

The Chicago Chapter of the National Association of Railway Business Women (NARBW) will celebrate its 100th anniversary on Nov. 1 at the the Palos Hills Country Club, Orland Park, Illinois. Founded in 1925 as the second NARBW chapter, the Chicago Chapter has been a driving force for mentorship, leadership and lifelong friendships. Once nearly 1,000 members strong, the chapter faced steep decline as rail jobs shifted, but in 2015 a small group of determined women reignited its legacy. Today, with over 50 active members, the chapter continues to thrive, according to an NARBW press release.