Ballast, Ties, Rail

Vossloh plans production plant for fastening systems

Vossloh AG is stepping up its presence in North America and opening a production plant for its rail fastening systems in the U.S. The fitting out of the facility will start in the third quarter of 2013, with plant commissioning followed by regular production scheduled to begin after mid-2014. There will be 50 new jobs at the plant in Waco, Texas.

Rick Corman, 1955-2013

Richard J. “Rick” Corman, founder of R. J. Corman Railroad Group, died the morning of August 23, 2013, following a 12-year battle with multiple myeloma. Corman died at his home in Nicholasville, Ky., surrounded by his family. He was 58.

Goldschmidt Thermit acquires PortaCo, Inc.

The Goldschmidt Thermit Group, a company based in Germany that specializes in welding, acquired 100 percent of PortaCo, Inc., a producer of hydraulic power units and tools headquartered in Moorhead, Minn. The Goldschmidt Thermit Group has been represented in the United States market since 1967, by Orgo-Thermit, Inc.

Cambium Group to produce ACZA-treated ties in Canada

The Cambium Group, Inc., a licensee of Lonza Wood Protection (LWP), has started production of ammoniacal copper zinc arsenate (AZCA)-treated crossties. Cambium will be the first Canadian producer of these ties, which the company says are an alternative to creosote crossties.

Stacy and Witbeck appoint new president

Stacy and Witbeck, Inc., named George Furnanz president, effective June 12, 2013. Furnanz will take over the responsibilities of company president from John Bollier, who had been president and chief executive officer. Bollier will continue to serve as chief executive officer.

JLP awarded on-call contract

J.L. Patterson & Associates, Inc. (JLP), received an on-call contract from the city of Anaheim Department of Public Works for design and construction management services for transportation projects.