BNSF allows peak inside its Topeka Locomotive Shops, tops veteran employer list

More than 5,000 people showed up for a rare peak inside the BNSF Topeka Locomotive Shops in Kansas during a special open house on Labor Day. The event was designed to showcase the railroad's long history in Kansas, as the state celebrates its sesquicentennial. It also allowed the public to see inside the shop on the northeast side of downtown Topeka. "We drive by these buildings all the time and wonder what goes on in there," said Preston Taylor of Topeka. "It's great to see that all this work for the railroad happens here in our city. I know lots of communities would love to have this kind of business employing its citizens. It makes me appreciate what this place means to Topeka and it is fitting that the shops are open on Labor Day." The open house took place at the massive locomotive repair facility where visitors were able to view locomotives in various stages of repair. For some, it was an opportunity of a lifetime to climb into the cab of a diesel locomotive and tour a vintage rail car. "By all measures this was a very successful open house," Curt Meyers, shop superintendent, said. "We are very proud of the shops and appreciate the opportunity to show them off to the public." In other BNSF news, the railway has been named the No. 1 "Best Employer for Veterans" in the United States by Military Times EDGE magazine. The magazine's annual recognition program highlights those employers in the United States that "prove they make veterans a priority-not just with slogans and statements of support, but with programs, policies and positive track records." "This award is an honor and a true testament to BNSF's military-friendly culture," said Riz Chand, vice president and chief human resources officer, BNSF. "We are committed to helping veterans transition to the workforce and we value their focus on safety, their leadership and operational skills and their unique life experiences." BNSF has hired more than 4,000 veterans since 2005 and currently employs more than 7,000 veterans. This equates to approximately 18 percent of BNSF's workforce. BNSF has hired more than 1,000 veterans so far in 2011. "The military candidate embodies the core competencies essential at BNSF: leadership, teamwork and the ability to work safely in a fast-paced, dynamic environment," said John Wesley III, manager, military staffing and a 21-year veteran of the U.S. Army.