East Japan Railway is to open an office in Los Angeles on March 1, replacing its New York office. This will promote tourism to Japan, and act as a liaison and innovation hub for strengthening relationships with technology companies in the area.
FreightCar America says its priorities for FY2022 include the delivery of between 2 350 and 2 650 wagons, with the middle of the range representing a 44% increase on FY 2021; positive adjusted EBITDA; completing a fabrication shop and expanding an existing wheel and axle shop to achieve operational efficiencies; and constructing additional production lines to double annual capacity to between 4 000 and 5 000 wagons by early 2023.
Didier Pfleger has been appointed CEO of Škoda Group and Chairman of Škoda Transportation. He was formerly President of Alstom’s Middle East, Africa & Central Asia region and head of its APTIS electric bus unit. He succeeds Petr Brzezina.
Alstom plans to embark on a recruitment drive to expand its headcount in India by 15%. The company already employs 9 000 people in the country, up from 2 000 in 2016. The company is implementing extensive training and personal development plans and a dedicated programme called Renew that offers women career breaks of over 12 months.
Egis has been granted ISO 37001 anti-bribery certification for its operations worldwide by Eurocompliance.
The European Commission has approved under EU state aid rules €151m of support for Slovakia’s national operator ZSSK to build two workshops for light maintenance of passenger rolling stock in Košice and Žilina. Ownership of the workshops will be transferred to a special purpose company to be set up by the Ministry of Transport & Construction, and the sites will initially be operated by ZSSK before being taken over by the winners of train operating contracts. Equal and non-discriminatory access will be ensured.
Wi-Tronix has appointed Ed Harris to its board. He is director of Duos Technology, as previously served as Executive Vice-President of Operations at CSX, Canadian Pacific, Canadian National and Illinois Central.
Balfour Beatty has appointed Mark Konchar as Senior Vice-President & Managing Director of its rail operations in the USA. He has been with Balfour Beatty for 23 years, in roles including Senior Vice-President & Chief Innovation Officer.