(From the Sept. 5, 2011, issue of Rubber & Plastics News)
WILMERDING, Pa.—Wabtec Corp. has expanded its base in the transit rail parts industry.
The global supplier of products, services and systems for the rail industry recently purchased the transit aftermarket parts business from Erie, Pa.-headquartered GE Transportation, a business unit of General Electric Co. Financial details of the transaction weren't disclosed.
With annual sales in the $15 million range, the acquired business makes products for propulsion and control systems. It makes primarily traction motors and related parts for the passenger transit car aftermarket in North America, a Wabtec spokesman said.
Product lines include AC and DC traction motors and related components, along with electronic control systems, including contractors and relays.
Some rubber is used to produce parts, according to the spokesman and an official at Edge Point Capital Advisors, which advised Fairfield, Conn.-based General Electric on the divestiture of the business.
“This acquisition expands our transit aftermarket and service capabilities, with critical components related to propulsion and electronic controls,” said Albert J. Neupaver, president and CEO of Wilmerding-based Wabtec.
He said that nearly 5,000 transit cars in North America contain the GE components, “giving Wabtec the opportunity to expand our content on a substantial installed base of rolling stock as transit agencies overhaul and maintain their equipment.”
The acquired product lines will become part of Wabtec Global Services, which operates a network of eight service centers in North America.
Wabtec primarily serves the rail and industrial markets. Through its subsidiaries, the firm manufactures a range of products for locomotives, freight cars and passenger transit vehicles.