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FOR RELEASE: November 22, 2005
BHP Billiton Places Additional
Order
for Electro-Motive SD70ACe Locomotives High Traction Locomotives
for Iron Ore Mining Operations in Australia
LaGrange, Illinois - Electro-Motive Diesel, Inc. announced today
that BHP Billiton
Iron Ore Pty. Ltd. (BHPBIO) will take delivery in early 2007
of ten SD70ACe locomotives for use in mining operations in northwest
Australia. This follows on the heels of a recent order for 14 locomotives
of the same type.
Electro-Motive's SD70ACe model, which meets the strict U.S. EPA
(Environmental Protection Agency) emissions standards, has been
developed for the North American freight locomotive market as well
as other heavy haul railways around the world. This model uses the
highly reliable 710 Series diesel engine and is rated at 4,300 traction
horsepower. The SD70ACe employs an AC (Alternating Current) traction
system to develop high wheel-rail traction for heavy haul service.
For this order, EMD is designing an isolated cab to improve operator
comfort, demonstrating an emphasis on continuous product improvement
for its customers.
According to Frank Ward, Regional Vice President of International
Sales for Electro-Motive, "We are delighted that BHPBIO has
expressed further confidence in EMD by placing an additional order
for EMD products. BHPBIO has chosen the energy-efficient, low-emissions
SD70ACe locomotive for its operations. It means a great deal to
EMD to enjoy the trust of this key customer."
The locomotives will be built by Electro-Motive in London, Ontario,
Canada. EDI Rail, a division of Downer EDI Limited, sold the locomotives
and will commission and support them in service. EDI Rail represents
Electro-Motive in Australia and also manufactures and maintains
locomotives with Electro-Motive technology.
About Electro-Motive Diesel, Inc.:
Founded in 1922, Electro-Motive Diesel, Inc. is one of two U.S.
original equipment manufacturers of diesel-electric locomotives.
Headquartered in LaGrange, Illinois, with additional facilities
in London, Ontario, EMD designs, manufactures and sells diesel-electric
locomotives for all commercial railroad applications and has sold
its products in more than 70 countries worldwide. The Company is
the only diesel-electric locomotive manufacturer to have produced
more than 70,000 engines and has the largest installed base of diesel-electric
locomotives in both North America and internationally. In addition
to its locomotive manufacturing activities, EMD has an extensive
aftermarket business offering customers replacement parts and a
range of value-added services for its locomotives. The Company is
also a global provider of diesel engines for marine propulsion,
offshore and land-based oil well drilling rigs, and stationary power
generation. In April 2005, Greenbriar Equity Group LLC, Berkshire
Partners LLC, and certain related parties acquired EMD from General
Motors Corporation. Additional information may be found at www.EMDiesels.com.
About Greenbriar Equity Group:
Greenbriar Equity Group LLC is focused exclusively on making private
equity investments in the global transportation industry, including
companies in freight and passenger transport, commercial aerospace,
automotive, logistics, and related sectors. Greenbriar and Berkshire
Partners have entered into a strategic joint venture and co-investment
agreement to address certain transportation and related investment
opportunities. Greenbriar manages $700 million of committed limited
partner capital and co-investment commitments and, together with
Berkshire, has access to more than $1 billion for investment in
privately negotiated equity investments within the transportation
industry. Additional information may be found at www.greenbriarequity.com.
About Berkshire Partners:
Berkshire Partners has invested in mid-sized private companies for
the past twenty years through six investment funds with aggregate
capital commitments of approximately $3.5 billion. The firm's investment
strategy is to seek companies that have strong growth prospects
and to partner with talented management teams who are interested
in being owners of the companies they operate. Berkshire has developed
specific industry experience in several areas including consumer
products, industrial manufacturing, transportation, communications,
business services, and retailing and related services. Berkshire
has been an investor in over 80 operating companies with more than
$13.0 billion of acquisition value and combined revenues in excess
of $17.0 billion. Additional information may be found at www.berkshirepartners.com.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
Scott Garman
scott.garman@emdiesels.com
+1 (708) 387-5041
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