November 2009: VAE Nortrak supplying Switch Machines to South Africa

Awarded Contract for 222 Racor Automater Switch Machines and 20 Racor 22-E Switch Stands

The Racor brand is about to increase its exposure outside of North America. VAE Nortrak has received orders for 222 Racor Automater yard switch machines, and 20 Racor 22-E trailable switch stands to be delivered to South Africa. Most of the Automaters will be used by South Africa’s rail network Transnet to automate classification yards in Ermelo and Kimberley in 2010. Earlier in 2008, Nortrak provided 10 Racor Automaters to Transnet for a trial in Ermelo yard. Transnet has now decided to automate the rest of Ermelo yard with Automaters and expand the project to include Kimberley yard.

A partnership with Nortrak’s sister firm VAE SA (Pty) Ltd was essential to securing the order. VAE SA provided a local presence and technical support for the Ermelo trial, and will marry the Automaters produced in Nortrak’s Chicago Heights plant with some local components for the Ermelo and Kimberley projects. “The South African government is interested in maximizing local content and developing local skills.” said Peter Vorster, Executive Manager Sales and Marketing VAE SA, “We welcome the technology transfer from Nortrak and are looking forward to finding new opportunities for Racor products in South Africa.”