Union Pacific Subsidiary PS Technology Acquires Yard Control Systems Division of Ansaldo STS USA

News provided by

Jun 25, 2012, 03:03 ET

OMAHA, Neb., June 25, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- PS Technology (PST), a wholly owned subsidiary of Union Pacific Corporation, today announced it has acquired the Yard Control Systems division of Ansaldo STS USA. The acquisition boosts PST's robust enterprise management capabilities by adding rail yard process control and automation solutions. Based in Norristown, Pa., Yard Control Systems is one of the leading railroad classification yard automation and control systems providers in North America. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110304/LA59497LOGO)

"Rail yard optimization is important for railroads to increase efficiency, create faster delivery times and help customers compete in a global economy," said Ashok Fichadia, PST CEO. "Efficient yards are critical for managing the forecasted freight rail traffic growth in coming years."

An important element for sorting rail cars at any large rail yard is track on a slight incline, known as a hump in the rail industry. The cars are pushed over the hump by a locomotive and uncoupled just before or at the crest. They then roll into their destination tracks where they are combined with others to create a train.

Yards Control Systems developed hump process control systems used by most large railroads in North America, and it will release its latest Star III hump process control system in 2012. Star III incorporates best-in-class technology and practices for world-class rail yard automation and performance.

"This acquisition will allow us to continue to expand our business of providing railroad industry technology solutions that drive safety, service and efficiency, ultimately bringing greater value to customers," said Ed Williams, PST president. "We are fortunate to retain the entire Yard Control Systems staff to maintain continuity for existing customers and build a strong foundation for future growth."

About PST
PST is an enterprise management solutions provider specializing in crew management, timekeeping, simulation, equipment management, and HR/safety solutions. PST has been working with the rail industry for three decades and has provided these solutions to all Class I and several transit, commuter, and short line railroads in North America. The company is headquartered in Boulder, Colo.

About Union Pacific
It was 150 years ago that Abraham Lincoln signed the Pacific Railway Act of July 1, 1862, creating the original Union Pacific. One of America's iconic companies, today Union Pacific Railroad is the principal operating company of Union Pacific Corporation (NYSE: UNP), linking 23 states in the western two-thirds of the country by rail and providing freight solutions and logistics expertise to the global supply chain. From 2000 through 2011, Union Pacific spent more than $31 billion on its network and operations, making needed investments in America's infrastructure and enhancing its ability to provide safe, reliable, fuel-efficient and environmentally responsible freight transportation. Union Pacific's diversified business mix includes Agricultural Products, Automotive, Chemicals, Energy, Industrial Products and Intermodal. The railroad serves many of the fastest-growing U.S. population centers and emphasizes excellent customer service. Union Pacific operates competitive routes from all major West Coast and Gulf Coast ports to eastern gateways, connects with Canada's rail systems and is the only railroad serving all six major Mexico gateways.

www.pstechnology.com
www.up.com
www.up150.com
www.facebook.com/unionpacific
www.twitter.com/unionpacific

SOURCE Union Pacific