Swedish infrastructure, workshop and operating services company Railcare announced ‘the strongest first quarter we have experienced’ on May 5, with Q1 net sales up 25% to SKr106m. ‘To date, the Covid-19 pandemic has not impacted the company with any projects being cancelled’, said CEO Daniel Öholm. ‘The railway is considered a critical function in society that must continue to function in a crisis.’ Development of a prototype emissions-free battery-powered Multi-Purpose Vehicle is progressing.
On May 1 the International Railway Industry Standard Management Centre launched a Silver quality performance level, which can be achieved by audited companies fulfilling additional quality criteria. There are now Bronze and Silver IRIS levels, with Gold planned to follow.
Canadian wagon manufacturer National Steel Car began restarting production on May 4, with the mandatory use of face masks, temperature checks of each employee at the main gate, staggering shift start times and lunch breaks and enhanced cleaning, and increased hand sanitisation stations. Non-essential visitor access is suspended, with essential service providers entering the plant and required to disclose any travel within the last 14 days or if they are symptomatic.
Lithuanian railway LG is undertaking a Rail Baltica supplier market consultation, seeking feedback on tender qualification requirements and evaluation criteria as well as the procurement strategy and scope of the intended construction works. A teleconference with interested suppliers will be organised on May 19.
