June 8, 2010

UKM Selected to Manufacture (222) Carsets of Buffer Assemblies

(Kulpsville, PA) Kawasaki Manufacturing Motors, a division of Kawasaki Heavy Industries, recently selected United Knitting Machine Co., Inc.(UKM) to manufacture the remaining (222) carsets of buffer assemblies for the M8 electric multiple unit(EMU) cars being built by Kawasaki for Metro North Railroad and the Connecticut Department of Transportation.  An (80) car Option is currently being negotiated.

The new cars are targeted to replace 30 year old M2 cars currently used between Manhattan and New Haven.

UKM, a specialty manufacturer of rail transport products, previously secured orders to manufacture heated car door thresholds, end door thresholds, pantograph lockdown assemblies, hand pumps and decorative floor strips.

Production is expected to begin in October and run through 2012.  The contract amount was undisclosed.

The company, located in Towamencin Township, was recently approved for a Pennsylvania Small Business First Fund Equipment Loan through the Montgomery County Development Corporation for the purchase of a new robotic welding cell.