Systra announced on August 31 that it had completed the acquisition of International Bridge Technologies. This will enable the consultancy to establish ‘a global bridge centre of excellence’ that will offer specialist design expertise. This is Systra’s first acquisition in a specific engineering discipline, marking a significant strategic move, the company says. It added that more than 60% of bridges globally are used in rail projects, making the specialism highly complementary to Systra’s core business.
On August 31, the Railway Engineering Maintenance and Suppliers Association organised a tour of the Fort Wayne, Indiana factory of Press-Seal Corp, which specialises in concrete sleeper production and related track components. Joining the tour was Congressman Jim Banks, who was able to discuss public policy priorities for the US rail supply industry
The railway axle subsidiary of Russian supplier Lugcentrokuz has received an enhanced level of quality certification under the M-1003 standard. Valid until the end of 2019, this approval enables the company to supply its 27 and 32 tonne axleload products on the international market, including in North America where it already works with Progress Rail Services.
