Wabtec’s Xorail unit gets Brazilian contract
Written by William C. Vantuono, Editor-in-ChiefXorail Inc., a subsidiary of Wabtec Corp., said Wednesday it has signed a $165 million contract to design and install Communications-Based Train Control (CBTC) for MRS Logistica, which operates the Southeastern Federal Railroad Network in Brazil.
Under the contract, Xorail will provide turnkey project management;design and installation of signaling, communications, and train dispatchequipment; and on-board electronic equipment for 500 locomotives and 50auxiliary vehicles. The project is scheduled to be completed in 2013.
MRS Logistica operates about 1,000 miles of track that connect thestates of Rio de Janeiro, Minas Gerais, and Sao Paulo. Thesehigh-volume, heavy-density lines serve Brazil’s largest industries,including iron ore, steel, cement, and other commodities, whichrepresent about half of the country’s Gross Domestic Product, Wabtec said.
“This train control project represents Xorail’s entry into the growingrail market in Brazil, and a significant expansion of Wabtec’s presencein the region,” said Albert J. Neupaver, Wabtec’s president and chiefexecutive officer. “We’re pleased to be leading this importanttechnology deployment, which will enable MRS Logistica to increasecapacity, safety and efficiency throughout its network.”
Said MRS CEO Eduardo Parente, “This major investment in our infrastructure will improve the safety of our operations and is an essential part of meeting increased demand. Ours is a highly complex network due to the density of the track andgeography of the region, which we believe makes this train controlproject a first in freight rail operations around the world. After alengthy bidding process, we are convinced that Xorail is uniquelypositioned to deliver a solution.”
