Rail supplier news from Harsco, UltraTech, Hub, Siemens and Transdev (Sept. 27)

Harsco Corp.'s Protran Technology unit has received orders from the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority and the Sacramento Regional Transit District to install track worker alert systems. The technology alerts track workers on the ground before trains enter their work zones. The orders are scheduled for delivery through the end of the year, according to a Harsco press release. Financial terms were not disclosed.

UltraTech International Inc. has released the Ultra-Track Berm, a portable spill containment solution. The device, which captures up to 144 gallons of spilled material, can be moved quickly by one person to a leak or spill. If a larger spill occurs or greater capacity is needed, drain hoses can be connected to the camlock fittings so the spilled material is directed to a waste collection area or larger container. The Ultra-Track Berm features closed-cell polyethylene foam that provides secure sidewall structure, Ultra-Tech officials said in a press release.

Ryder System Inc. has presented an intermodal carrier quality award to Hub Group Inc. The honor recognizes service excellence through a variety of metrics over the past  calendar year. The metrics include on-time performance, claims handling, customer service and technology applications, according to a Hub Group press release.

Mid-Coast Transit Constructors has chosen Siemens to provide the San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) with technologies that will automate and power the region's Mid-Coast Corridor 10.9-mile light-rail extension project. A Siemens overhead catenary system and trackside substations will power the new line while advanced rail automation technologies and signaling systems will help "ensure safe and efficient operation of the light-rail vehicles," Siemens officials said in a press release. The overhead catenary system and substations will convert AC power to DC to operate the light-rail vehicles. In addition, Siemens rail automation technologies will provide MTS with insight on vehicle location and operation status to manage train movement along the route.

Transdev has named Alex Guariento vice president of safety and security for its North American division. He'll be responsible for safety policies and practices of all Transdev contracts and businesses in more than 200 cities. A retired major in the U.S. Army, Guariento most recently served as director of fleet safety and compliance for CEVA Logistics, a third-party logistics provider. He also spent 14 years in various safety roles for Greyhound Lines, where he developed a supervisory safety leadership program.