Sumitomo/Nippon Sharyo win Metra order
Written by William C. Vantuono, Editor-in-ChiefSumitomo Corp. of America, in conjunction with carbuilder partner Nippon Sharyo, has won a $560 million contract to supply 160 bi-level electric cars to Metra, the Chicago-based Northeast Illinois regional rail system. Sumitomo said they will be similar to the 26 Gallery-Type bi-level electrics that were delivered in 2005-2006. They will replace fleets in use since the 1970s. Delivery will take place from late 2012 through mid-2015.
“During execution of past Metra contracts, Sumitomo Corporation of America and Nippon Sharyo, Ltd. have consistently met Buy America requirements and used contents and the work force of Illinois, thereby supporting the creation of local area oriented works,” said Sumitomo. “For this contract, Sumitomo and Nippon Sharyo are committed to a continued enhancement of such contribution to local employment.”
In announcing the new contract on Wednesday, Sumitomo noted that the Sumitomo/Nippon Sharyo team have delivered 900 passenger cars in the U.S. market since 1980s. The order includes 479 Gallery Type bi-level passenger cars and 26 Gallery Type bi-level electrical passenger cars delivered to Metra and all rolling stock used by Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District (85 cars).
As prime contractor, Sumitomo has also developed, managed, and delivered regional rail transit systems to the Maryland Department of Transportation, California’s CALTRANS Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board, the Los Angeles County MTA, and the Virginia Railway Express, plus Automated People Mover (APM) systems for the Washington Dulles International Airport, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, and Miami International Airport’s new North Terminal.
Sumitomo’s global network has been involved in building various types o ftransit systems around the world, including light rail systems in Manila, Philippines, and APM systems at Hong Kong’s new airport at Chek Lap Kok, and other systems in Japan.
