Rail supplier news from SYSTRA, Protran, HNTB and Labelmaster (Sept. 7)

SYSTRA has acquired International Bridge Technologies (IBT). The move marks SYSTRA's first acquisition in a specific engineering discipline, which will enable the company to offer technical expertise in bridge design services, SYSTRA officials said in a press release. The two firms will form a new global bridge center of excellence that will offer contractors a "one-stop-shop" for design and build projects. The acquisition is expected to double SYSTRA's geographic footprint in bridge design.

The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) has given Protran Technology notice to proceed on an advanced track worker and location awareness system designed to add "the highest level of protection" for track workers and moving equipment, Protran officials said in a press release. WMATA is one of several agencies putting roadway worker secondary warning systems in place to meet the National Transportation Safety Board's R-13-39 and R-13-40 directives, which require transit agencies to review their wayside worker rules and eliminate authorizations that depend solely on workers to protect themselves from trains and other moving equipment.

HNTB Corp. has named Patrick Allen manager of vehicle and rolling stock products. He has more than a decade of experience in engineering and project management focused on freight-rail and transit vehicles, HNTB officials said in a press release. Currently, Allen is providing support on the North County Transit District's positive train control project for the COASTER commuter-rail system in Southern California. Before joining HNTB, Allen worked on several high-profile rail projects, including the overhaul of 106 bilevel commuter-rail coaches for the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, as well as the construction of the CapeFLYER Cafe Car for the Massachusetts Department of Transportation.

Labelmaster this year will mark its 50th anniversary. The company provides labels, software, products and services for companies that ship hazardous materials. Founded in 1967 as Modular Products, Labelmaster's first products were labels for transportation companies. Founder Harry Fund saw the need for labels offering instructions on care and safe shipping after the U.S. Department of Transportation released new regulations for the transportation of hazardous materials, Labelmaster officials said in a press release. In 2009, Labelmaster introduced its Dangerous Goods Information System, a software platform for hazmat shipping.