Bombardier unveils the first progress rail locomotive to be assembled in Ciudad Sahagún, Mexico

Bombardier Transportation unveiled the first of 32 electric-diesel locomotives manufactured for Progress Rail Services Corporation.

Production on this project began in April of this year, following a contract awarded in November 2010. This contract reflects both companies’ willingness to establish a long-term business relationship.

“Bombardier Transportation is proud to deliver the first of these 32 locomotives, which highlights the excellent operating capacity of our Ciudad Sahagún plant and the skill of our workforce,” said Raymond Bachant, President, North America, Bombardier Transportation. “It once again demonstrates the Bombardier commitment to deliver high quality products to our customers.”

The production process for these locomotives consists of building the frame structure, final assembly of the locomotive, static and dynamic functional testing, and painting.

“Progress Rail is proud to be able to count on a global strategic partner such as Bombardier Transportation to support us in manufacturing world-class locomotives for our customers. We are very pleased with the work performed by the entire Bombardier team at the Ciudad Sahagún plant,” said William (Billy) Ainsworth, President and CEO, Progress Rail Services.

This first order consists of the final assembly of 32 Electro-Motive Diesel model SD70ACe diesel-electric locomotives. Each locomotive develops 4,300 horsepower; weighs 194 tons; measures 22.5 metres in length, 3 metres in width and 4.8 metres in height. It has a combustion capacity of 18,500 litres, and a top speed of 112 km per hour. At present, over 100 highly skilled Bombardier employees are involved in this project, in the areas of manufacturing and assembly, technical support, and supply management.

Since 1997, more than 1,300 locomotives have been manufactured and assembled in Bombardier Transportation’s facilities in Mexico, mainly for exports to the United States.

About Progress Rail Services Corporation

Progress Rail Services, a wholly owned subsidiary of Caterpillar Inc., is a leading supplier of new and remanufactured locomotive and railcar products and services to the railroad industry, operating one of the most extensive rail service and supply networks in North America. We serve our customers through a network of more than 130 locations across the United States, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Italy, Germany, and the United Kingdom, with more than 4,300 employees. Progress Rail Services is headquartered in Albertville, Alabama.

Through its acquisition of Electro-Motive Diesel, Progress Rail has expanded its portfolio of industry-leading products and services, furthering its commitment to our customers. Founded in 1922, Electro-Motive Diesel is an original equipment manufacturer of diesel-electric locomotives. Headquartered in LaGrange, Illinois, EMD designs, manufactures and sells diesel-electric locomotives for all commercial railroad applications and is a global provider of diesel engines for marine propulsion, offshore and land-based oil well drilling rigs, and stationary power generation. The company is the only diesel-electric locomotive manufacturer to have produced more than 72,500 engines and has the largest installed base in both North America and worldwide. EMD also has an extensive aftermarket business offering replacement parts, maintenance solutions and a range of value-added services.

For more information, visit www.progressrail.com, or www.emdiesels.com