German rail technology company Vossloh is to acquire Laing O’Rourke’s concrete rail sleeper manufacturing specialist Austrak.
The acquisition, which will be carried out through Vossloh’s Australian subsidiary, is expected to improve the company’s existing operations, as well as strengthen its portfolio of manufacturing pre-stressed concrete sleepers, bearers and associated products.
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Established in 1980, Austrak has been operating as a fully-owned subsidiary of Laing O’Rourke since 2006. It specialises in manufacturing pre-stressed concrete sleepers, bearers and associated products.
Austrak has produced more than 22 million sleepers for Australia’s various railway systems, as well as suburban and freight lines in the Australian provinces of New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland.
Laing O’Rourke Australia Hub managing director Cathal O’Rourke said: “This marked a positive step for Austrak’s future and we are confident the organisation will benefit from the integration into a broader rail products business that is committed to growing its manufacturing operations in Australia and internationally.”
Subject to regulatory approvals, the acquisition is expected to be concluded in this quarter. The deal will not have any impact on current orders and operations at Austrak.
With a team of around 3,800 employees, Vossloh focuses on providing rail components and engineering solutions.
It also offers services to conventional railways, high-speed networks, as well as heavy load and urban rail systems. It also provides track-related services and operates turnout production sites in various railway markets globally.
