As part of an effort to improve infrastructure in North Africa and the Middle East, Progress Rail, a Caterpillar company announced it was selected by the Tunisian Railway Company (SNCFT) with an order of 20 EMD GT42AC locomotives.
These locomotives will primarily serve in hauling phosphates and will be designed for the area’s hot, dry climate and rough terrain, including sandy conditions.
“For the past 10 years, we have delivered nearly all of the high horsepower, diesel locomotives in North Africa and the Middle East – and we have accomplished this by listening closely to our customers’ feedback on their regional requirements,†said Progress Rail’s Chief Executive Officer and Vice President of Caterpillar’s Rail Division, Billy Ainsworth. “After a highly competitive process, we were extremely pleased to be selected as the supplier of choice for our GT42AC model based on reliability, fuel economy, advanced technologies and digital capabilities. These units will upgrade a previously aging railway fleet, by transforming it into a powerful, modern fleet for today.â€
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Sabiha Derbal of SNCFT, and Progress Rail’s Regional Director of International Sales for North Africa and Middle East, Ramzi Imad, signed the contract, amongst a group of other dignitaries, including the Minister of Transport of Tunisia, Anis Ghedira; Secretary of State for Transport, Hichem Ben Ahmed; the U.S. ambassador to Tunisia, Daniel H. Rubinstein; and other high level Tunisian and SNCFT officials.
The agreement is part of the country’s initiative to rejuvenate its railway fleet, thus aiding in the transportation of phosphates. The first 10 locomotives will be delivered to SNCFT in September 2018, with the remaining units delivered in November 2018. The units will be manufactured at Progress Rail’s Muncie, Indiana facility.
The company not only has a 60-plus year history with customers in North Africa and the Middle East region – but also supports the largest installed base of locomotives there, and remains committed to continuous in-country support.
About Progress Rail:
Progress Rail Services Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of Caterpillar Inc., is a leading provider of locomotive, railcar, engineering and track products and services for the global railroad industry. Since acquiring Electro-Motive Diesel, Inc., (EMD), the companies work as one team to design, manufacture and sell locomotives, engines and aftermarket parts for customers around the world. Headquartered in Albertville, Alabama, we serve our customers through a global network of 200 locations, with more than 8,000 employees. For more information, visit www.progressrail.com
Media Contact:
Barbara Jansen
Direct: 256.505.5054 or
bjansen@progressrail.com
