EMD gets locomotive orders from Canada, Mexico

LaGrange, Ill.-based Electro-Motive Diesel (EMD) said Friday it has signed an agreement to supply five new SD70ACe locomotives to Quebec North Shore and Labrador (QNS&L), a subsidiary of Iron Ore of Canada. As well, EMD announced Ferrocarril Mexicano, S.A. de C.V. (Ferromex) has signed a purchase agreement for 44 new SD70ACe locomotives.

EMD will deliver the new five locomotives ordered by QNS&L in August. QNS&L previously ordered seven SD70ACe model locomotives (such as shown at left) that were delivered last year.

The SD70ACe locomotives ordered by Ferromex will begin being delivered this April. The contract with Ferromex also includes a 15-year locomotive maintenance agreement. This is the second order by Ferromex of the SD70ACe model. Upon completion of delivery, Ferromex will operate a total fleet of 59 SD70ACe locomotives (such as shown below).

EMD introduced the SD70ACe locomotive in 2005; it incorporates a reliable and energy-efficient EMD two-stroke 710 engine. The QNS&L locomotives will also feature EMD’s winterization package, radial trucks, and Q-cab for operator comfort and safety.

"The products purchased from EMD respond very well to the complexities of the QNS&L Railway, namely in terms of our hard winter climate, long 22,000-ton trains and one man crew operations," said Louis Gravel, general manager, Product Delivery, for QNS&L.

“We are thrilled that QNS&L has once again selected the SD70ACe for continued expansion of its mining operations,” said EMD CEO Billy Ainsworth. “We greatly value the confidence QNS&L has in EMD and the leading performance of our products.”

As for the Ferromex order, “We are very pleased that Ferromex has selected the highly reliable and energy-efficient SD70ACe as it expands its operational capacity,” Ainsworth said. “We look forward to working with Ferromex and providing the highest quality products and services to support its current and future growth.”

“The 44 new EMD SD70ACe locomotives are a very positive addition to Ferromex´s fleet,” said Rogelio Vélez, CEO of Ferromex. “In tests run by our company, the EMD locomotives demonstrated very high and consistent performance and fuel efficiency.”