Rail supplier news from Progress Rail, Siemens, KB Signaling and Hitachi Rail

Progress Rail, in collaboration with Strutture Trasporto Alto Adige (STA), has delivered a technology upgrade to the Merano–Malles railway line for regional rail service in South Tyrol, Italy. The project included implementation of European Railway Traffic Management System (ERTMS) Level 2, the European standard for train control and supervision that allows for continuous, reliable data exchange of movement and speed information, effectively replacing traditional physical signaling, according to a Progress Rail press release. The scope of work includes several integrated systems, including a track management system that centralizes commands, controls and emergency functions for infrastructure oversight; a train detection system that enables continuous, real-time train positioning; and a traffic management system that improves traffic coordination, regularity and overall service. A financial value of the project was not disclosed.

Siemens AG has named Ann Fairchild president and CEO of Siemens USA, the company’s largest market globally. Fairchild has served as interim president and CEO since October 2025. She will guide Siemens’ strategy and engagement across the United States, where the company employs more than 50,000 people in all 50 states and Puerto Rico and generated $24 billion in revenue in fiscal-year 2025, according to a Siemens press release. Based on her more than 25 years at Siemens, most recently serving as general counsel for Siemens USA, Fairchild brings a deep understanding of the company’s business objectives and strategic priorities, Siemens officials said. Siemens is the parent of Siemens Mobility, which focuses on the rail technology market.

KB Signaling Inc., a member of the Knorr-Bremse Group since 2024, has launched a new stand-alone website. The new site is designed to give current and prospective customers, partners and rail industry stakeholders a direct digital entry point to the company’s signaling products, project delivery capabilities and technical resources, KB Signaling officials said in a press release. Also, the website reflects the company’s focus on safety, reliability, system compatibility and long-term performance across critical rail infrastructure, they said.

Hitachi Rail will manufacture rolling stock for a new restaurant train, Fine Dining Train “vies,” in which Seibu Railway Co. Ltd. is participating. The train is scheduled to begin operations in March 2028, and the train name and logo design have now been finalized. Hitachi will be responsible for manufacturing the vehicles for this train, which will operate in Japan. Fine Dining Train “vies” builds upon and further develops the concept established by “Fifty Two Seats of Happiness,” Seibu Railway’s full-course restaurant train that has been in operation since 2016, Hitachi Rail officials said in a press release. A financial value of Hitachi Rail's contract was not disclosed in the release.