CBH : Made on the right track
As MADE Partners continues to strengthen its global footprint, the company is proud to mark a significant milestone in its work with the CBH Group (CBH), Australia’s largest co-operative and leader in the grain industry.
Over the past 12 months, MADE has been supporting CBH in delivering comprehensive Quality Assurance and Quality Control (QAQC) services and in-country surveillance for the manufacture of 17 CM20ACi narrow gauge, dual-cab, diesel-electric locomotives by Wabtec Corporation at its Contagem facility in Brazil.
Wabtec, a leading global provider of equipment, systems and digital solutions for the freight and transit rail sectors, is manufacturing the new locomotives as part of CBH’s fleet expansion program.
MADE’s role has involved on-the-ground inspection, surveillance of manufacturing processes, welding and fabrication oversight, and verification of compliance with project specifications and quality standards throughout the build program.
After more than a year of close collaboration and rigorous QAQC oversight, MADE is thrilled to see the first three locomotives arrive safely in Australia. It marks a major milestone in the project and a proud moment for everyone involved in supporting CBH’s investment in modern, high-performance rail capability.
MADEPartners General Manager Australasia, Andrew Sommerville, says the project reflects the company’s commitment to delivering quality solutions that extend well beyond baseline compliance.
“Our work with CBH demonstrates the value of embedding robust quality assurance and surveillance processes directly into the manufacturing lifecycle,” he says.
“We go beyond standard the standard tick and flick approach to inspection, to ensure our clients benefit from improved systems, enhanced efficiency, stronger performance outcomes and long-term asset reliability.”
MADE in the Americas
The Brazil program is one of two significant locomotive QAQC assignments MADE is delivering for CBH in the Americas. In parallel, MADE is undertaking QAQC activities for seven electro-motive diesel standard gauge locomotives being built by Progress Rail, a subsidiary of Caterpillar, in Muncie, Indiana, USA. That contract will more than double CBH’s standard-gauge locomotive fleet, with deliveries scheduled throughout 2026.
MADE’s expansion into the Americas has been led by Rio de Janeiro–born Computer Engineer and Procurement Expert Marcelo Akstein, now based in Sydney, who has played a key role in establishing and coordinating the company’s presence across South and North America.
In Brazil, Locomotive Inspector Luiz Tuzuki brings more than 35 years of experience in locomotive engineering, design, development, manufacture, testing and operation. Having worked for many years at GE (now Wabtec) at the Contagem site, he provides invaluable local expertise and insight into the manufacturing environment.
Geraldo Ferreira, MADE’s Brazil-based Welding Inspector, contributes over 20 years of inspection experience. A certified Level 1 Welding Inspector and Level 2 NDT Inspector, he has extensive experience inspecting locomotive cabs and underframes for multiple manufacturers, including Wabtec.
In the United States, MADE’s long-standing Quality Manager Mark Duve supports delivery across the region. With nearly 30 years in the US rail industry, Mark is an accomplished Senior Locomotive Inspector and Mechanical Engineering Manager with deep expertise in locomotive design, diesel engines and rail operations.
Having commenced the CBH locomotive QAQC program in January 2025, MADE’s Americas team has now been actively supporting manufacturing surveillance for over 12 months.
MADE is proud to be part of this transformative fleet investment and to be supporting CBH at every stage — from factory floor in Brazil to arrival on Australian soil. The delivery of the first locomotives represents not just the movement of rollingstock, but the successful execution of a rigorous, globally coordinated quality program.
For any queries, contact Andrew at andrew.sommerville@madepartners.com