Thursday, March 29, 2018
CRRC MA, the world’s largest railcar builder and partner of MassDOT’s Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA), today, kicked-off a successful Supplier Diversity and Procurement Fair with over 40 Minority and Women owned businesses and approximately 150 corporations in attendance. The purpose of CRRC MA’s business fair is to introduce the various companies that comprise the corporation’s supply chain to the many capable and diverse businesses in the region.
“I am pleased with the positive response from suppliers and corporations eager to take advantage of this unique networking opportunity,” said CRRC MA Vice President Jia Bo. The strides made to partner with minority and women businesses, and the overall support received from leaders in Massachusetts as we strive to adopt best engagement practices is testament of our mutual commitment to build a strong, diverse supply chain. Today’s success is a win for all of us as we continue to work together to be inclusive and stimulate the local economy in Springfield and beyond.”
“We are very happy with CRRC’s continued belief and investment not only in Springfield, but just as importantly in their ongoing engagement and facilitated efforts to establish a diverse local workforce and supplier network,” said Mayor Domenic J. Sarno.
Over 40 businesses responded to CRRC MA’s call to participate in the supplier networking fair where each business was provided a private booth equipped to showcase their services to corporations and passersby through promotional materials and dialog. Services of participating businesses include: metal fabrication, construction supplies, electronics, rail graphics, recycling, janitorial, and promotional, to name a few.
As CRRC MA continues to build its workforce in preparation to begin vehicle assembly for the MBTA Orange and Red line railcar project, the corporation has awarded contracts to thirty-six minority and women-owned companies. Thirty-two are Massachusetts based firms and of those thirty-two firms fourteen are based in Springfield and surrounding areas.
“CRRC MA’s commitment to supplier diversity is evident through the successes of contracts initiated with minority and women owned businesses,” said Julian Tynes, Assistant Secretary MassDOT Office of Diversity and Civil Rights.
CRRC MA has contracted with Titan Roofing headquartered on Tapley Street in Springfield for $1.6m, and Marguerite Construction, a subcontractor to Federal Concrete for $2.9m. Other local contracts include: New England Promotional Marketing, Greenough Supply, and PTS Supply -- all based in Springfield, Massachusetts.