Composite component makers Technical Resin Bonders and Amber Composites have been bought by a private equity consortium lead by US entrepreneur Jonathan McQueen, who becomes CEO of the UK-based companies. Composites are increasingly used in rolling stock, offering light weight and high strength.
Visiting the Mahilyow Carriage Works in late October, Prime Minister of Belarus Sergei Sidorsky announced a US$35m two-year upgrade of the plant to increase production capacity to 1 100 wagons a year by 2009. The proportion of wagon components produced locally will be increased to reduce the need for imports, and the company also plans to produce vehicles for export.
