Unit Rail, the rail fastening division of Amsted Rail, appointed John Stout director of sales, responsible for sales and marketing activities in North America for both the Unit Rail and Advanced Track Products brands.

"John is a great addition to the Unit Rail Executive Team.  His industry knowledge and successful track record prove he will help maintain our leadership position in the most important rail market in the world," said Wes Hodges, vice president of Unit Rail.

Bieschke received his B.A. in Business Administration from Westminister College in New Wilington, Pa., and later attended the University of Georgia Tech College of Business in Athens for his M.B.A. He has worked in the railroad industry for many years and his experience will greatly benefit Unit Rail. He most recently was the vice president of STX Railroad Construction and has also been VP of sales for Vossloh, national sales manager for L.B. Foster Company, project manager for Regional Transit Partners, and project nanager for Balfour Beatty Rail (Formerly Marta Track Constructors).