Stadler has announced SMILE (Schneller Mehrsystemfähiger Innovativer Leichter Expresszug, or fast multi-system innovative light express train) as the brand name for its EC250 high speed train design. It is known as Giruno by launch customer Swiss Federal Railways, which has ordered 29 of the trainsets for services through the Gotthard Base Tunnel.
PKP SA telecoms businesses PKP Utrzymanie and PKP Budownictwo are to be merged under the name PKP Telkol.
Siemens officially inaugurated its Locomotive Service facility in New Castle, Delaware, on August 9. The ‘Internet of Trains’ digital service support, supply chain and training hub will remotely monitor more than 140 Siemens-built locomotives for customers including Amtrak, Maryland Transit Administration, Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority, Illinois Department of Transportation and Brightline. Siemens said data already collected had helped it implement software updates that improved the performance of ACS-64 locos, helping Amtrak achieve 33% fewer delays in 2016 than in 2015.
Russia’s First Freight Co has commissioned facilities for the overhaul of up to 300 wagon wheelsets per month at its Gryazi workshop.
US private investment firm Watermill Group has bought UK company Cooper & Turner, which manufactures and distributes track fasteners as well fasteners for the wind energy, construction, tunnelling and oil and gas industries. Senior management, including CEO Tony Brown and Head of Production David Brown, retain their current positions and a significant shareholding. Mid Cap Financial Services provided debt for the transaction, with Grant Thornton UK providing financial advice and K&L Gates acted as legal counsel for Watermill. Mazars advised Cooper & Turner with Mincoffs Solicitors providing legal advice.
