November 15, 2010

Gaspésie Diesel signs significant repair contract with VIA Rail Canada


NEW RICHMOND (QC), November 15, 2010 — VIA Rail Canada today announced that it has awarded a $600,000 contract for repairs to two passenger cars to New Richmond-based Gaspésie Diesel. The mandate consists of repairs to the body structure of a coach and Skyline (dome) car, as well as to their ventilation, electrical and water supply systems.
 
"We are very pleased to be doing business with a company from the Gaspé Peninsula. We found that they have all of the required expertise and we have every confidence in the quality of work that will be carried out", emphasized Mr. Marc Laliberté, President and Chief Executive Officer at VIA.

Mr. Gilles Babin, Chairman and Executive Officer of Gaspésie Diesel, highlighted the expertise possessed by his team for this type of work. "This is a great day in history for Gaspésie Diesel and its development and diversification plan. With the railway industry expanding at full throttle, it will spur on a new dynamic for the regional economy", clarified Mr. Babin.

Ms Nicole Appleby, the mayor of New Richmond, was thrilled with the jobs that will be supported in her community thanks to contracts of this scope. "From our perspective, this initial contract awarded to Gaspésie Diesel will pave the way for a longstanding partnership with VIA Rail. I hope that Gaspésie Diesel will become an indispensable supplier to VIA Rail", mentioned Ms. Appleby.

“The Government of Canada is proud to support Canadian businesses," added Canada's Minister of State (Transport), Rob Merrifield. "We are pleased that VIA has selected such a young, dynamic Québec company in order to manage this important mandate."

To access the speaking notes, please click here: /sites/all/files/media/pdfs/About_VIA/SN20101115ENG_VIA_et_Gaspesie_Diesel.pdf

About VIA Rail
As Canada’s national rail passenger service, VIA Rail Canada's mandate is to provide efficient, environmentally sustainable and cost-effective passenger transportation to Canadian travellers in both official languages. Every week VIA operates 503 intercity, transcontinental and regional trains linking 450 communities across its 12,500 kilometre route network. The demand for VIA services is growing as travelers increasingly turn to train travel as a safe, reliable and environmentally responsible alternative to congested roads and airports. VIA safely transports over four million passengers annually.

About Gaspésie Diesel
In business for over 25 years, Gaspésie Diesel inc. offers maintenance and repair services for road, rail and marine transport. It is the only Gaspé Peninsula company to honour warranties from Freightliner, Sterling, Western Star, Caterpillar, Cummins, Detroit Diesel and Alison. Their offices are located in New Richmond, Québec, Canada.

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