February 24, 201114 yr Picked this up on the OHERN facebook page: Committee Chair John Mica Statement On US Railcar www.youtube.com Committee Chair John Mica (R-FL) spoke out strongly for passenger railcar manufacturer US Railcar at the first Midwestern stop on a nationwide tour for Transportation and Infrastructure meetings...
February 25, 201114 yr LaHood: Rail means jobs By Keith Benman [email protected], (219) 933-3326 | Posted: Thursday, February 24, 2011 5:00 pm CHESTERTON | U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood made an impassioned pitch Thursday to 300 Northwest Indiana business leaders to become partners with the Obama administration when it comes to high-speed rail. "If Indiana gets its act together, you could be a dominant player in this plan in this region of the country," LaHood told them at a Rail Delivers Jobs summit in Chesterton. Getting the five-year reauthorization of the federal transportation bill passed by Congress, with the Obama administration's $53 billion request for high-speed rail intact, will be key to getting the job done, LaHood said. Read more at: http://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/porter/duneland/chesterton/article_17babd1b-7373-51d6-9300-bcad27ab0abb.html
March 16, 201114 yr New diesel-electric locomotive specs OK'd Wednesday, March 16, 2011 New specifications for diesel-electric locomotives were approved Wednesday by the Next Generation Corridor Equipment Pool Committee, in what the committee called the next step in a national effort to make it easier, faster, and cheaper to build and purchase rail cars and other equipment for America’s emerging high speed rail and intercity passenger rail program. Any state using federal funds for its passenger rail program must use equipment that meets these specifications. The committee is a collaboration of 11 states, the Federal Railroad Administration, Amtrak, rail equipment manufacturers, and suppliers. It was created by the Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act of 2008 (PRIIA) to develop specifications and procurement strategies for America’s next generation of passenger rail cars and equipment. Read more at: http://www.railwayage.com/breaking-news/new-specs-okd-for-diese-electric-locomotives.html
April 21, 201114 yr GE Transportation touts Pa. economic impact Thursday, April 21, 2011 Erie, Pa.-based GE Transportation has publicized results of a study it commissioned to evaluate its value to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania – and finds its activities are valuable to the state. GE Transportation commissioned Pittsburgh-based research firm Tripp Umbach last year to produce a 20-page report, “Powering Pennsylvania: GE Transportation’s Impact on the Economy and Community-at-Large in Northwestern Pennsylvania.” Among the report’s findings: GE Transportation supports one out of 11 jobs in Erie County, Pa.; every GE job supports close to three additional jobs in Pennsylvania; the company has a total economic impact of $2.7 billion on Erie County, and $4.6 billion on Pennsylvania; and GE Transportation generates one dollar in every $130 in the state’s economy—making it “one of the largest industrial companies in the Commonwealth,” Tripp Umbach President and CEO Paul Umbach said. Read more at: http://www.railwayage.com/breaking-news/ge-transportation-touts-importance-to-pa.-economy-3063.html
April 28, 201114 yr Ohio Castings To Resume Production at Alliance Facility April 25th, 2011 Ohio Castings’ board of directors has approved a plan to restart production at its railcar castings facility in Alliance, Ohio. American Railcar Industries, Inc. (ARI), which is one-third owner of the joint venture, announced the decision last week. Read more at: http://www.railresource.com/content/?p=1274
May 13, 201114 yr Two major railroad manuafcturers expand.... Alstom Signaling called a model of growth by U.S. official Written by Jeffrey Blackwell Staff writer 12:49 AM, May. 11, 2011| Alstom Signaling Inc. is being held up as an example of how the upgrade of the nation's rail system will generate jobs and economic growth in upstate New York and across the United States. U.S. Department of Transportation Deputy Secretary John Porcari visited the company's rail signaling facility in Henrietta on Tuesday to highlight a two-year expansion effort that is creating 200 jobs and an investment in the plant of more than $3 million. Read more at: http://www.democratandchronicle.com/article/20110511/BUSINESS/105110314 GE to build locomotives in far north Fort WorthPosted Thursday, May. 12, 2011 By Sandra Baker GE Transportation, a unit of General Electric Co., will begin making freight locomotives in far north Fort Worth next year when it opens the first new manufacturing plant outside its Pennsylvania headquarters in more than a century. The project will create 500 manufacturing jobs, with possibly 275 more in coming years, the company said. GE said it will spend $96 million to buy, expand and equip a 500,000-square-foot unused warehouse just west of Texas Motor Speedway, where production should begin in the second half of 2012. The facility, at 12850 Three Wide Drive, will nearly double in size to 900,000 square feet. Read more: http://www.star-telegram.com/2011/05/12/3071936/ge-to-build-locomotives-in-far.html#ixzz1MG5PMxk1
May 16, 201114 yr Nice story about a Lorain-based company that's manufacturing a "Lean & Green" locomotive. It's being tested on the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad. http://www.wkyc.com/news/article/190035/45/What-Works-Industrial-Railway-Switching-and-Service
June 7, 201114 yr Good news for Ohio-based U.S. Railcar..... which might have been in the running to supply DMU's for the 3C Quick Start.... New Commuter Train Project Takes Shape Orange Blossom Express Would Connect Lake, Orange CountiesPOSTED: 4:22 pm EDT June 7, 2011 ORLANDO, Fla. -- Local train service could be rolling sooner than first expected, and its name is not SunRail. U.S. Rep. John Mica, R-Fla., announced a commuter rail service called the Orange Blossom Express, which could be up and running before SunRail begins operation and serves Lake and Orange counties from roughly Tavares, through Apopka and into downtown Orlando, with a spur to Winter Garden. When a Colorado railcar rolled into Orlando in 2002, Mica thought it may be the first local commuter train system. Read more: http://www.wesh.com/news/28160897/detail.html#ixzz1Ocx1m4m5
June 10, 201114 yr Yes, U.S. Railcar has been working closely with Mica on getting the Orlando service to use its equipment. "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
July 6, 201113 yr Passenger rail does create economic development and jobs -- and could offer even more benefits for Ohio if Ohio actually invested in passenger rail....... Siemens to create 50 local jobs 10:27 AM, Jul. 5, 2011 Written by The Enquirer The Siemens electric motor plant in Norwood expects to create 50 jobs, part of about 250 created by the company to supply Amtrak with 70 energy efficient electric locomotives. The Department of Transportation last week announced a $562.9 million loan guarantee to Amtrak to finance purchase of the locomotives from Siemens Industry USA. The Norwood plant will supply traction motors and gear units. Another 200 jobs will be created at Siemens plants in Alpharetta, Ga., and Sacramento, Calif. The Amtrak loan is the largest made under the Federal Railroad Administration's Railroad Rehabilitation and Improvement Financing Program. The locomotives will replace older engines on Amtrak's Northeastern U.S. routes. READ MORE AT: http://news.cincinnati.com/article/20110705/BIZ01/307050045/Siemens-create-50-local-jobs "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
July 26, 201113 yr CIT Rail Orders 5,000 New Railcars Leasing firm's $475 million purchase reflects railroad industry's growing demand John D. Boyd | Jul 26, 2011 3:51PM GMT The Journal of Commerce Online - News Story Railcar fleet leasing firm CIT Rail ordered 5,000 hopper and tank cars for about $475 million, with production to be split among “multiple manufacturers.” These orders are the latest sign that rail-related industries see demand continuing for some key commodity cargoes, despite the lack of broader economic momentum. The cars will mainly be delivered throughout 2012. CIT said they can be used by a range of industrial customers “including oil/natural gas drilling, renewable fuels, and agriculture, which are experiencing increased demand and contributing to the economic recovery.” Read more at: http://www.joc.com/suppliers/cit-rail-orders-5000-new-railcars
August 16, 201113 yr NOTE: Ohio Ranks 5th..... http://www.rsiweb.org/pdfs/pr_11aug11_topsupplystates.pdf FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE RAILWAY SUPPLY INSTITUTE RELEASES DATA ONTOP RAILWAY SUPPLY STATES Study Supports Link between a Healthy Freight & Passenger Rail Network and Domestic Rail Supply Manufacturing Jobs Washington, DC – August 11, 2011 – The Railway Supply Institute (RSI) has released a summary of the states with the largest concentration of railway supply companies in terms of number of facilities, total number of employees, and total sales. Compiled using survey data gathered from the RSI membership and other public and proprietary sources, the report reveals the width and breadth of the supply industry. In these eleven states alone, RSI estimates that over 650 companies operate more than 800 facilities, support nearly 90,000 employees, and produce nearly $23 Billion in revenues. “RSI has long maintained that there is a clear link between continued investment in freight and passenger rail and sustainable well-paying domestic railway supply manufacturing jobs. The data we have compiled support that contention,” said Tom Simpson, RSI President. “We published the data from the top states in terms of supply companies and facilities to show the impact this industry makes on our economy, but should make clear that there are railway supply companies and manufacturing facilities in nearly every one of the lower 48 states – most small businesses – and all dependent on the continued vibrancy of our nation’s freight and passenger rail systems,” continued Simpson. “America’s railway suppliers represent a multi-billion dollar per year industry supporting many thousands of American workers,” Simpson continued. “Our nation’s rail supply companies are involved in the manufacture of products and services in the freight car, locomotive, maintenance-of-way, communications and signaling, intercity passenger rail and transit industries. A healthy and vibrant freight and passenger rail network directly impacts this entire industry. “Investing in rail will ensure competitiveness, promote job creation here at home, and improve our nation’s mobility, and should remain a top priority for private investment and our nation’s policymakers,” Simpson concluded. Summary of Top Railway Supply States* Number of Number of Total # of Total Sales State Companies Facilities Employees (Millions)** Illinois 137 166 19,600 $8,300 Pennsylvania 100 122 27,700 $7,100 New York 70 84 7,500 $1,900 Texas 59 91 8,600 $1,700 Ohio 56 62 7,500 $800 California 47 69 4,600 $700 Florida 44 53 2,400 $700 Missouri 42 55 2,600 $900 Georgia 39 44 3,100 $600 Indiana 33 36 2,000 $100 Virginia 27 33 2,400 $100 TOTAL 654 815 88,000 $22,900 Note: TOTAL does not equal the sum of the number of companies due to companies having locations in multiple states. *Source: The Railway Supply Institute **Sales are attributed to company headquarters state and not individual facilities About The Railway Supply Institute (RSI) The Railway Supply Institute (RSI) is the premier trade association for the rail supply industry, representing the nation’s leading companies involved in the manufacture of products and services in the freight car, locomotive, maintenance-of-way, communications and signaling, and passenger rail industries. Since its founding in 1908, RSI and its predecessor organizations have delivered comprehensive marketing, government relations, business development, and standards and technology services to its membership and advocated exclusively on behalf of supplier interests in multiple industry coalitions, legislative bodies and regulatory organizations. For more information visit RSI’s website, www.rsiweb.org, or call 202-347-4664. ### Media Contact: Jan Goebel JG Communications LLC 703-743-9707 [email protected]
October 19, 201113 yr US DEPARTMENTS OF TRANSPORTATION AND COMMERCE FORGE PARTNERSHIP TO BOOST DOMESTIC MANUFACTURING ACROSS AMERICA -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- U.S.Department of Transportation Office of Public Affairs Washington, D.C. www.dot.gov/affairs/briefing.htm News WASHINGTON – U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood and Acting Commerce Secretary Rebecca Blank today announced a partnership to encourage the creation of domestic manufacturing jobs and opportunities for U.S. suppliers through transportation investments. The Department of Commerce’s Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) will help to ensure manufacturers meet the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (U.S. DOT) strict “Buy America” and “Buy American” standards, connecting U.S. manufacturers and suppliers for work on highways, railways and transit projects, and in the process help to create jobs. “Investment in transportation is a critical piece of President Obama’s American Jobs Act,” said Secretary LaHood. “Not only are we improving how we move people and goods, but we are strengthening our economy by providing opportunities for American companies and their employees to build our transportation system here at home.” With a network in all 50 states and Puerto Rico, MEP serves more than 34,000 American suppliers, helping them to retool their manufacturing capabilities to meet demand, compete in the global marketplace and sell American-made products all over the world. “This initiative is a win for workers and communities across America,” said Acting Secretary Blank. “The Manufacturing Extension Partnership will connect U.S. manufacturers and suppliers with hundreds of millions of dollars in upcoming highway, railway, and airport projects, providing new job opportunities in every corner of the country.” MEP will leverage over 1,300 expert manufacturing assistance field staff in over 350 locations to provide knowledge of local manufacturing capabilities from across the nation. MEP will identify suppliers’ production and technical capabilities to match them up with viable business opportunities that may have otherwise gone to foreign suppliers, ensuring maximum economic benefit for taxpayer-funded transportation investments across all modes. The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) will team up with MEP to connect American suppliers with opportunities created by the Obama Administration’s historic investments in high-speed intercity passenger rail, including track and station construction and the development of next-generation trains. MEP will help DOT to guarantee American companies and workers receive benefits from public investments like the upcoming $782 million order for domestically-built passenger rail trains that will travel in California, Oregon, Washington, Illinois, Missouri, Michigan, Indiana and Iowa. MEP will also help DOT assure that American companies and workers benefit when the state of California today issues a request for information (RFI) for new bi-level passenger coaches. Responses to the RFI will inform the states of the manufacturer’s capacity to complete the order and identify potential domestic suppliers. A request for proposals will be issued this winter and winning bids will be selected next summer. Already, MEP is working with the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) to improve its ability to assess the merits of requests for waivers from Buy America requirements, eliminate the need for some waivers, and strengthen FTA’s support for these requirements. In June, representatives from MEP joined FTA Administrator Peter Rogoff and Deputy Secretary John Porcari for a meeting between transit agencies and rail manufacturers to promote the domestic production of steel rails for streetcar projects. The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) will partner with MEP to help identify U.S. manufacturing capabilities to produce new technologies and emerging products for the nation’s highway systems. FHWA tasked MEP to identify U.S. manufacturers with potential production facilities for specialized steel fibers used in ultra high-performance concrete, which is a joint filler material between prefabricated bridge elements. Currently, this steel fiber is only made overseas. At the U.S. Department of Commerce, the Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) is part of the National Institute of Standards and Technology, an agency of the U.S. Department of Commerce. MEP is a catalyst for strengthening American manufacturing – accelerating its ongoing transformation into a more efficient and powerful engine of innovation driving economic growth and job creation. President Obama has called on Congress to pass measures in the American Jobs Act, which invests $50 billion in new transportation construction. In addition to construction jobs, these investments will pump billions into the domestic manufacturing sector, creating new orders and jobs at American manufacturers and suppliers. For more information regarding the RFI for rail equipment, contact the California Department of Transportation at (916) 654-5467 or visit www.dot.ca.gov/.
October 19, 201113 yr For GE Transportation, a $231 million investment Tuesday, October 18, 2011 GE Transportation announced Tuesday investments totaling $231 million in manufacturing improvements and site upgrades to its Erie, Pa., site and a new manufacturing plant in Fort Worth, Tex., “to meet accelerating domestic and global demand.” “The expansions reflect GE Transportation’s growing global presence and rising demand for products and exports, particularly in the growing global mining industry,” said GE Transportation President and CEO Lorenzo Simonelli. “These latest investments in our U.S. facilities put GE Transportation in a position to shape the future of the transportation industry worldwide. We’re making significant investments in GE’s technology leadership, product innovation, and state-of-the art manufacturing operations to serve our customers worldwide.” GE Transportation said a return to double-digit growth in 2011 has resulted in job growth in its U.S. facilities. The company has filled more than 2,000 jobs in the U.S. in 2011, including more than 1,100 jobs filled at GE Transportation’s key manufacturing location in Erie. GE Transportation will additionally hire about 360 new employees in Erie by the end of 2011, including 160 production workers to meet increasing demand for mining equipment. GE will also hire about 200 employees to backfill positions following the upcoming early retirement of production workers in Erie. The company is offering a Special Early Retirement Option and a Voluntary Retirement Incentive Program to eligible employees as part of the union contract ratified in June 2011. Read more at: http://www.railwayage.com/breaking-news/for-ge-transportation-a-231-million-investment-3617.html
November 4, 201113 yr Gahanna council axes plan for rail-car plant Friday November 4, 2011 5:30 AM A proposal to build a railcar manufacturing plant in Gahanna was stopped in its tracks when the City Council rejected a resolution to apply for a $12 million federal grant. The project also required a $3 million match that was to be covered by USRailcar Co. or private financing. City Attorney Tom Weber said he couldn’t advise moving forward with legislation initiated by US Railcar Co. to build the facility off Claycraft Road. Read more at: http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/business/2011/11/04/gahanna-council-axes-plan-for-rail-car-plant.html
November 4, 201113 yr I think Youngstown, Warren, Lorain, Lima, Steubenville, Moraine and many other cities would love to have a crack at this plant. "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
November 4, 201113 yr I agree. I would hope they do a serious location search to find a vacant manufacturing plant that is of the specs they are needing- by a rail line and close to steel plants with a wealth of steel fabrication going on nearby. The now vacant Twinsburg-Chrysler stamping plant or the soon to be closed Walton Hills Stamping plant would seem to be a good fit based on the above criteria. But I believe Ohio is littered with vacant heavy manufacturing plants like engine, truck, or stamping plants. When I think of steel production and machining I just don't think of the Columbus area..
November 28, 201113 yr Gahanna rail plant gets unlikely assist from Toledo Business First by Adrian Burns, Staff reporter Date: Friday, November 18, 2011, 6:00am EST A Central Ohio businessman’s plan to build a rail car factory in Gahanna remains alive after an agency in northwest Ohio stepped in to help. Seeking money for the proposed factory, U.S. Railcar LLC principal Barry Fromm secured the Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority’s agreement to sponsor an application seeking federal funding for the multimillion-dollar project. Fromm went looking for sponsors after he was turned down by Gahanna on Oct. 27. Despite the rejection four days before the application deadline, Fromm knocked on other potential government sponsors’ doors, turning first to Franklin County Commissioners. READ MORE AT: http://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/print-edition/2011/11/18/gahanna-rail-plant-gets-unlikely.html "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
December 29, 201113 yr GE Transportation to invest $35 million to build remanufacturing plant in US Published: 28-Dec-2011 GE Transportation has announced that it will invest about $35 million to build a new diesel engine remanufacturing plant in Grove City, in the US state of Pennsylvania. Located at an existing site, the new facility is expected to meet accelerating demand for remanufacturing services. Further, GE is investing $37 million in 2011 and 2012 in the existing plant for a combined investment of $72 million in manufacturing in Grove City. Read more at: http://www.worldconstructionnetwork.com/news/ge_transportation_to_invest_35_million_to_build_remanufacturing_plant_in_us_111228/
January 21, 201213 yr GE Transportation hails healthy 4Q Written by Douglas John Bowen Erie, Pa.-based GE Transportation on Friday reported $1.5 billion in fourth-quarter 2011 revenue, up 43% year-over-year. Revenue for the full year 2011 was $4.9 billion, up 45% compared with fiscal year 2010. Segment profit for the fourth quarter was $226 million, up from $73 million in 2010. Full-year profit for GE Transportation was $757 million, up from $315 million in 2010. Read more at: http://www.railwayage.com/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=878:ge-transportation-hails-healthy-4q
January 27, 201213 yr Okay...so here's an historic, Ohio-based company that makes its profit selling roller bearings to the world-wide rail industry (and other businesses)...and doing quite well at. But Timken woulkd not riase it's voice in support or lend a hand in any way toward the regeneration and expansion of passenger rail in Ohio or elsewhere in North America. It's not they can't afford something that would boost their business...and profits. Rail demand for Timken bearings grows Written by Luther S. Miller, Senior Consulting Editor The Timken Co. Friday reported record sales of $5.2 billion for 2011, up 28% from 2010 on "strong demand from diverse industrial markets,” including the railroads., (The growing railroad market for Timken roller bearings reflects the soaring demand for freight cars.) Mobile Industries Segment 2011 sales were $1.8 billion, up 13% from $1.6 billion a year ago. 'Higher demand in the rail, off-highway, and heavy-truck sectors drove most of the increase," said Timken. Read more at: http://www.railwayage.com/index.php/News/Latest/Rail-demand-for-Timken-bearings-grows.html
February 1, 201213 yr Published: January 31, 2012 12:01 AM EST Updated: January 31, 2012 12:01 AM EST As freight business booms, GE Transportation hasn't given up on high-speed rail By JIM MARTIN, Erie Times-News [email protected] A booming freight business is keeping employees at GE Transportation busy. That was the message Monday as Lorenzo Simonelli, chief executive of the Lawrence Park-based General Electric business, led U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly and Deputy Transportation Secretary John Porcari on a tour of the plant. But Simonelli said the company stands ready to compete in the development of high-speed and so-called higher-speed rail, an intermediate step that could use existing tracks. However, the size of the pie the company is competing for isn't growing as quickly as some had expected. Read more at: http://www.goerie.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2012301319952
February 4, 201213 yr Well it's a good thing Republicans are pro-business. "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
February 6, 201213 yr As the railroad industry thrives, Pittsburgh companies profit and add jobs Back on track Sunday, February 05, 2012 By Tim Grant, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette The railroad industry is picking up steam again, after losing ground decades ago to the nation's trucking industry. And Pittsburgh's expertise and history in the business -- Andrew Carnegie and the city's other industrialists needed good ways to move their steel a century ago -- has put the region on track to benefit from rail's resurgence. Western Pennsylvania is home to companies that build railroad cars, make parts to run the cars and fix the tracks beneath their wheels. Railroad signalling -- a key element in helping trains avoid running into each other -- keeps engineers busy on the South Side, while a company in Sharon refurbishes train wheels and couplers for reuse. "Go to any railroad or any subway or transit station in North America and you will see that we have [products] in every locomotive, every freight car, subway car or transit bus," said Albert Neupaver, president and CEO of Wabtec, a Wilmerding-based rail equipment supplier with nearly $2 billion in revenue last year. Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12036/1208032-28.stm#ixzz1lcaKNHup "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
February 6, 201213 yr Not sure how this will impact Ohio...... http://railpast.com Subject: [EMD] EMD London is now shut down Dear Employee: Earlier today, we had the very unfortunate task of announcing the decision to cease production at Electro-Motive Canada’s London, Ontario facility. Our efforts – spanning about 9 months – to negotiate a competitive labor agreement with the Canadian Auto Workers union were not successful. As you know, we compete in a global marketplace where orders for locomotives are won or lost based on extremely competitive pricing and the ability to meet short turnaround times. All facilities within EMC, Electro-Motive Diesel and Progress Rail Services must achieve and maintain competitive costs, quality and operating flexibility to win in the global marketplace. The London plant, primarily because of an antiquated labor contract, faced serious competitive disadvantages. Even though EMC’s final offer addressed these competitive disadvantages, the union would not accept our offer. The gulf between the company and the union was simply too wide to resolve. Market conditions made today’s regrettable decision unavoidable. We will now start the process of conducting an orderly closure of the London production operations, including the transfer of locomotive assembly operations to our competitive facilities in North and South America. We are confident these facilities will distinguish themselves to our customers in quality and service. We appreciate your hard work on behalf of our customers, and your commitment to see our company become the leader in the global rail industry. Over the past year, we have made large capital investments to position our company to achieve this goal. We know we can count on your help as we realign our operations and show our customers that we are the company they can trust for all of their rail equipment needs. Sincerely, Billy Ainsworth President and CEO Caterpillar "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
February 18, 201213 yr Deputy Transportation Secretary Porcari addresses manufacturers, suppliers at Chicago rail forum Yesterday, U.S. Deputy Transportation Secretary John Porcari spoke to Midwest-based rail industry manufacturers and suppliers at a Chicago rail forum organized to highlight business opportunities in the growing market for next-generation, American-made trains. Porcari addressed the Next Generation Rail Supply Chain Connectivity Forum, which was hosted by the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP). The event was organized to introduce suppliers to U.S.-based manufacturers likely to bid on nearly $800 million in upcoming next-generation train orders, U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) officials said in a prepared statement. Read more at: http://www.progressiverailroading.com/mechanical/news/Deputy-Transportation-Secretary-Porcari-addresses-manufacturers-suppliers-at-Chicago-rail-forum--29958
October 1, 201212 yr http://www.usrailcar.com/documents/EmailNewsletter-USR-Sept12-4.pdf Next Generation Rail Equipment Committee Approves Specification for Diesel Multiple Units US Railcar Newsletter September 2012 My Friends, I am happy to report that after a year of effort by many, on Sept 4th, 2012: Next Generation Rail Equipment Committee Approves Specification for Diesel Multiple Units http://www.aashtojournal.org/pages/090712nextgen.aspx This committee also known as the PRIIA 305 technical committee was formed by Amtrak under the Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act of 2008 (PRIIA). “Amtrak is tasked with establishing a Next Generation Corridor Equipment Pool Committee to design, develop specifications for, and procure standardized next-generation rail passenger equipment.” The approval came first from the technical committee and then approved by the Executive Board of the NGEC which includes 11 state DOTs and representatives of Amtrak and the Federal Railroad Administration. Bill Bronte, the Director of the Caltrans Rail Division, serves as the Chairman. This is important because with the PRIIA specification the US Railcar DMU will now qualify for federal funds. (More at the URL above)
October 27, 201212 yr New car shop under construction by The Andersons Written by Luther S. Miller, Senior Consulting Editor The Andersons, Inc. announced the start of construction on a 27,300 square-foot railcar paint and blast shop adjacent to its repair facility in Maumee, Ohio. The facility is to be completed in the spring 2013. The company said the new shop will allow it to wash, blast, and paint railcars in a more efficient and environmentally friendly way. The project also includes 1,700 feet of new rail track. Read more at: http://www.railwayage.com/index.php/mechanical/freight-cars/new-car-shop-under-construction-by-the-andersons.html?channel=50#.UIs372l26Fc
February 8, 201312 yr Note that Ohio manufacturers, more than those in any other Midwest state, would benefit from investment in high speed rail. The reason? More legacy rail industry suppliers are here in Ohio. But Ohio travelers still cannot benefit, based on continuing disinterest by many state officials as noted in the latest Ohio Department of Transportation budget proposal. "So Ohioans will build 'em, we just can't ride 'em" is my reaction. KJP _________ ELPC Releases Midwest High-Speed Rail Supply Chain Report Friday, February 8, 2013 A new report released today by the Environmental Law & Policy Center shows investment in the next generation of rail would increase rail manufacturing and jobs throughout the industrial Midwest. “Manufacturers across the heartland stand ready to build a 21st century transportation system for America. By investing in high-speed rail, we can revitalize manufacturing, increase mobility, create jobs and reduce pollution.” The study profiles manufacturers and supply chain companies in the Midwest that are ready to begin making parts and putting people to work improving existing rail systems in the US. This includes 122 in Ohio, 99 in Indiana, 49 in Michigan, 84 in Illinois, 73 in Wisconsin, 26 in Minnesota and 7 in Iowa. The complete report is online at and can be accessed here: http://elpc.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/HSR-Supply-Chain-Report-ELPC1.pdf Manufacturers in the Midwest and beyond are ready and waiting to produce the components and materials needed to usher in America’s next generation of rail, and long-term federal and state government investment is the catalyst for a manufacturing renaissance in the industrial Midwest. In addition to jobs and economic benefits for the region, a modernized Chicago-hubbed Midwest Network would provide passengers with fast affordable rail service to cities across the Midwest. Travel times between major cities will fall from 30 to 50 percent. Kevin Brubaker Deputy Director Environmental Law & Policy Center (www.elpc.org) (www.highspeedrailworks.org) 35 E Wacker Drive, Suite 1600 Chicago, IL 60601 (312) 673-6500 "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
November 16, 201311 yr Nov 15, 2013, 3:17pm EST Columbus Castings to add 50 jobs after landing Amtrak supplier order Dan Eaton Staff reporter-Business First Columbus Castings has landed the largest order in its 130-year history. A deal with Nippon Sharyo USA Inc. for railcar undercarriages could be worth up to $70 million to the manufacturer and will add more than 50 jobs at the South Side Columbus steel foundry. “If they exercise all their options, this will keep us at full capacity until 2021,” CEO Rick Ruebusch told me. Columbus Castings employs 650. The ultimate end customer is Amtrak, which is in the midst of an extensive replacement of its passenger railcars. Columbus Castings could reap more than $100 million from that undertaking. In addition to the Nippon deal, the manufacturer also has orders from additional Amtrak suppliers CAF USA and Hyundai Rotem Co. for the same railcar components. READ MORE AT: http://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2013/11/15/columbus-castings-expects-to-add-50.html "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
September 7, 201410 yr All Aboard Ohio @AllAboardOhio 32s Irony: @dispatcheditor likes local jobs, ignores passenger rail $$ elsehwere produced them & objects to Ohio rail $$ http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/editorials/2014/09/07/good-news-on-south-side.html … "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
September 8, 201410 yr All Aboard Ohio @AllAboardOhio 32s Irony: @dispatcheditor likes local jobs, ignores passenger rail $$ elsehwere produced them & objects to Ohio rail $$ http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/editorials/2014/09/07/good-news-on-south-side.html … The Dispatch...what a dog of a paper.
January 26, 201510 yr Seco Machine sees return of manufacturing Steve and Tom Seccombe see their company as part of a resurgence in American manufacturing. Edd Pritchard CantonRep.com staff writer Posted Jan. 4, 2015 @ 11:00 am JACKSON TWP. From the outside, the building near the southeast corner of Whipple Avenue and Applegrove Street NW appears to be home to business offices. But inside are the sounds of manufacturing. Robots move pieces in and out of machines. Grinders smooth cast iron surfaces. Cranes move one ton steel bars set to become railroad car axles. Ovens bake blocks of urethane. Seco Machine moved into a suite in the Commerce Centre building at 7376 Whipple Ave. NW in 2010 and since then has expanded into neighboring suites. The company is using 68,000 square feet, and brothers Steve and Tom Seccombe are hoping to add more space. Read more: http://www.cantonrep.com/article/20150104/Business/141239881#ixzz3PyTrMes8 "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
September 23, 20195 yr Bad news for Boise is exciting news for Erie.... Wabtec to end locomotive production at Idaho plant WABTEC confirmed this week that its MotivePower (MPI) subsidiary will cease locomotive manufacturing at its facility in Boise, Idaho. https://www.railjournal.com/regions/north-america/wabtec-to-end-locomotive-production-at-idaho-plant/ "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
October 2, 20204 yr OH: Portion of Delta Railroad sold to Italian company An Italian railroad company will enter the North American market by purchasing 90 percent of Delta Railroad Construction, which was started in 1957 by Italian immigrant Cosmo Laurello. https://www.masstransitmag.com/rail/infrastructure/news/21156617/oh-portion-of-delta-railroad-sold-to-italian-company "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
September 10, 2024Sep 10 Below is a PR. This is the former CAF USA plant in Horseheads, NY (Elmira area)..... Siemens’ Investment in America’s First High-Speed Rail Plant a Milestone that Marks the Beginning of a Transformative New Industry WASHINGTON, D.C. — Sept. 9, 2024 — U.S. High Speed Rail (USHSR) said today that Siemens’ plans to build the nation’s first high-speed rail production facility in upstate New York marks a “milestone” that signals the beginning of an entire new industry to support the build-out of a nationwide bullet train network. “High-speed rail is now a reality in America with projects underway or being planned across the country,” said Ezra Silk, Political Director of the U.S. High Speed Rail Coalition. “This commitment by Siemens marks a milestone in the creation of a new industry to build and operate state-of-the-art high-speed rail. America’s new electric high-speed rail industry will spark new businesses, technologies, innovations and careers, create millions of good-paying union jobs and reduce dependence on highly polluting fossil fuels.” “The U.S. high-speed rail industry has the potential to become an economic force as big and powerful as the automotive industry,” Silk added. Siemens Mobility, Brightline West and U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer announced the $60 million investment in upstate New York, in partnership with the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM). Production is expected to begin in 2026. Siemens’ train, the American Pioneer 220, will operate Brightline West’s electric high-speed rail trains from Las Vegas to Southern California, scheduled for completion by the Summer Olympics in Los Angeles in 2028. The train will reach travel 218 miles at a top speed of 220 mph. Travel time is projected at just over two hours, compared to four hours by car. Momentum has been building for high-speed rail in America. Under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the Biden Administration has stepped up investment, identifying corridors nationwide for planning and design funding. The Administration recently invested $6.3 billion to support Brightline West and California High-Speed Rail’s initial project segment in the Central Valley. About USHSR USHSR mobilizes leading labor unions, companies, and public servants to advance bullet train investments and policies. The U.S. High Speed Rail Coalition has aggressively advocated for funding for California High Speed Rail, Brightline West, and other key projects and recently created a guide, “High-Speed Rail Project Initiation: A Roadmap for Advocates”, to help local leaders get bullet train projects off the ground in their communities and regions. "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
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