Wabtec acquires Unitrac, Pride Bodies
Written by William C. Vantuono, Editor-in-ChiefWabtec Corp. on May 9, 2016 completed its acquisitions of Unitrac Railroad Materials and Pride Bodies Ltd., both of which provide a variety of track-related products and services.
Based in Tennessee, Unitrac is a leading designer and manufacturer of railroad track products such as turnouts, panels and frogs. The company’s customers include Class I and short line railroads, and transit agencies throughout North America.
Based in Ontario, Canada, Pride Bodies Ltd. equips rail and utility vehicles with custom rail gear, cranes, air systems and lighting. Its custom aluminum bodies enable significantly increased payloads on heavy- and medium-duty vehicles used in rail and utility maintenance projects.
The companies have combined annual sales of about $45 million.
“Railroads in the U.S. spend up to 70% of their capital on infrastructure, and these acquisitions demonstrate Wabtec’s expansion in this key market,” said Wabtec President and CEO Raymond T. Betler. “Unitrac and Pride Bodies will be a good strategic fit with our existing capabilities, which now represent more than $100 million of annual revenues. Wabtec’s acquisition of companies such as G&B Specialties and Track IQ in recent years has resulted in a successful expansion into track-related products and services.”
