Progress Rail opens Muncie, Indiana locomotive assembly operation

Written by jrood

Almost one year to the date of announcing its decision to locate a locomotive manufacturing facility in Muncie, Ind., Progress Rail Services Corporation, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Caterpillar Inc., officially opened its Muncie operation. Progress Rail announced the site selection in October of 2010 and began work in earnest in January of this year. In less than 10 months, the facility has produced completed diesel-electric locomotives for its customers. "This is the type of responsiveness our customers have come to expect from Progress Rail," said Billy Ainsworth, president and CEO of Progress Rail. "Through its Progress Rail subsidiary, Caterpillar has proven its commitment to the rail and transit industries and since 2006 has invested more than $2 billion to meet our customers' growing needs." Progress Rail and EMD offers a broad range of locomotive engine solutions and remain the only manufacturer of two- and four-cycle locomotive engines. The companies are also working on numerous alternative fuel projects for customers. In December of 2008, Progress Rail utilized the first common rail fuel system for mainline locomotives, with its 4,300-horsepower PR43C locomotive, powered by two rugged Cat® engines - the C-175 and C-18. "We are proud to be in Muncie, Ind., today celebrating the official opening of our locomotive assembly plant. We look forward to being a part of this community's economic future for many years to come," Ainsworth said. "We have assembled a talented and dedicated group of local employees eager to meet our customers' needs. As we continue to grow our business and build additional manufacturing capacity, Progress Rail will be well-equipped to produce and support the largest global population of locomotives."  

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