U.S. suppliers to expand InnoTrans presence

Written by William C. Vantuono, Editor-in-Chief

The U.S. railway supply industry, through its principal trade and professional associations, will be increasing its presence at InnoTrans 2014, with a goal of increasing export business. Over the period from 2008 to 2012, the number of U.S. exhibitors at the semi-annual InnoTrans exhibition more than doubled. At InnoTrans 2014, which takes place at Berlin ExpoCenter City from Sept. 23 to 26, the U.S. rail industry will be participating in even larger numbers.

Four of the leading associations representing the U.S. rail industry will be together in Berlin for the first time: The Railway Engineering Maintenance Suppliers Association (REMSA), the Railway Supply Institute (RSI), Railway Systems Suppliers Inc. (RSSI), and the American Railway Engineering and Maintenance-of-Way Association (AREMA). They will be hosting their displays at a USA Pavilion organized by REMSA. For the first time, senior executives from these organizations will be holding a joint press conference on the latest developments and the outlook for the U.S. rail industry.

“Based on REMSA’s experience at InnoTrans 2012, we have doubled the size of the USA Pavilion at InnoTrans 2014,” said REMSA Executive Director David Soule. “We have invited RSI and RSSI to join us so that the pavilion will have representation from all aspects of the North American railway supply community. AREMA, the U.S. association responsible for developing railway engineering standards, will also be represented. We are thrilled to have the four railway associations together in Europe for the first time.”

“Railroads are a global industry and the north American railway supply industry’s expertise spanning all disciplines will be on display at InnoTrans,” said RSI President Thomas D. Simpson. “We’re looking forward to the experience.”

“The current Positive Train Control initiative has fueled an unprecedented technological advancement in the North American signal and communications industry,” said RSSI Executive Director Michael A. Drudy. “The PTC innovations that are currently being developed and tested by the rail and transit supply companies involve all areas of signaling and train control including wayside, locomotive, and back office control systems. These products and services will be on display at InnoTrans 2014.”

“AREMA is pleased to be part of an increased U.S. presence at InnoTrans,” said AREMA Chief Executive Officer Dr. Charles Emely. “As the international organization involved in rail and transit infrastructure standards and education, international development is a critical part of our future, and InnoTrans helps to provide that visibility.”

“Targeting new markets in effective ways—that is the declared aim of the U.S. rail industry,” according to InnoTrans officials. “That is why U.S. companies operating on the world stage are increasingly exploiting the opportunities offered by InnoTrans, the world’s leading trade fair for transport technology, in order to establish new contacts and business relations with decision-makers from regions such as Europe, Asia, and South America.”

At InnoTrans 2011, 2,515 companies from 49 countries presented their rail industry innovations to 126,110 trade visitors who came from 140 countries. The five sections at InnoTrans are Railway Technology, Railway Infrastructure, Public Transport, Interiors, and Tunnel Construction. InnoTrans is organized by Messe Berlin GmbH. Details are available online at www.innotrans.com.

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