Wabtec Corporation will supply 17 narrow-gauge diesel-electric locomotives to the CBH Group (CBH) of Australia.
CBH Group, otherwise known as Co-operative Bulk Handling, is a cooperative that handles, processes, and markets grain from Western Australia's wheatbelt.
The locomotives represent a significant investment in expanding CBH's rail fleet as part of its ‘Path to 2033 Strategy'. CBH will acquire 17 of the CM20ACi dual-cab, diesel-electric locomotives.
The first five locomotives will be delivered to Australia in the March quarter of 2026 and be operational soon after their arrival. The remaining 12 locomotives will be delivered in the June quarter of 2026.
In 2022, CBH opened three competitive Request for Proposal processes for the purchase of standard-gauge and narrow-gauge locomotives and wagons to expand and strengthen its rail fleet which currently stands at 25 locomotives and 572 wagons.
Seven standard-gauge locomotives were ordered last December, and they are scheduled to be delivered and operational by November 2024.
CBH Chief Executive Officer Ben Macnamara said the agreement with Wabtec will increase CBH's narrow-gauge locomotive fleet to 37.
“We are pleased to partner with Wabtec to acquire new narrow-gauge locomotives, a global leader in the design, manufacture and supply of quality locomotives.”
“Our rail fleet is a key asset for the co-operative and expanding our existing train sets is a strategic priority that is critical for us to achieve CBH's ‘Path to 2033' strategy that aims to lift our monthly export capacity to 3 million tonnes by 2033 or sooner.
“Expanding our narrow-gauge locomotive fleet, in conjunction with the expansion of our standard-gauge locomotive fleet, is a significant step to enhance our outloading capability.
“By investing in our supply chain network, we are ensuring we can deliver tonnes to customers when needed and therefore return sustained value to Western Australian growers.”
Wabtec President of Freight Equipment Rogerio Mendonca said the company was excited to be selected for the expansion of CBH's narrow-gauge locomotive fleet.
“The CM20ACi is a perfect addition to CBH's growing fleet.”
“These locomotives will provide CBH with low operational costs, high availability and proven reliability needed to succeed in today's competitive market.”
Wabtec Senior Regional Vice President, South East Asia, Australia, and New Zealand Wendy McMillan said the company is looking forward to supporting CBH's service of Western Australia's agriculture industry.
“These locomotives will enable CBH to increase grain shipments and drive CO2 emission reductions by moving more grain via rail.”
