L.B. Foster Supplying 28,500 Tons of CWR Rail for NECR Vermont Upgrade
Company-Owned CWR Trains Delivering to New England Central Railroad Jobsites
PITTSBURGH -- L.B. Foster Company (Nasdaq: FSTR) of Pittsburgh, PA has begun delivering 28,500 tons of 115# standard continuous welded rail (CWR) to New England Central Railroad (NECR), an operating subsidiary of RailAmerica, Inc. for upgrading approximately 140 miles of track. L.B. Foster's specially-equipped CWR trains will complete 18 shipments of welded rail by mid-2011 for installation at various locations throughout Vermont. The track improvements are included in the Federal Railroad Administration's High-Speed Intercity Passenger Rail Program award to the State of Vermont and funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
The 115# rail is being manufactured in 240ft lengths by L.B. Foster's strategic partner, Steel Dynamics, Inc. (SDI), and then welded into 1600ft strings at SDI's state-of-the-art Columbia City, Indiana facility. "We provide the highest quality standard rail possible, in the longest lengths possible, and welded with the best equipment and control procedures in the western hemisphere," comments Paul Kotsenas, Manager - Rail and Special Products, Steel Dynamics.
The new rail will improve the speed of the State of Vermont sponsored Amtrak Vermonter intercity passenger service and add capacity for freight carloads. L.B. Foster's personnel are managing trackside off-loading in Vermont. "The convenience of our own weld train and jobsite management helps to expedite deliveries and minimize off-loading along this busy track," said Greg Lippard, Vice President, L.B. Foster Rail Sales.
RailAmerica, Inc. (NYSE: RA) owns and operates short line and regional freight railroads in North America, operating a portfolio of 40 individual railroads with approximately 7,300 miles of track in 27 U.S. states and three Canadian provinces.
About L.B. Foster Company
L.B. Foster Company is a leading manufacturer, fabricator and distributor of products and services for the rail, construction, energy and utility markets with 30 locations throughout the United States. The Rail Products Group of L.B. Foster Company markets new rail and accessories, used rail (relay rail), crane rail, direct fixation fastener systems, conductor rail systems, rail boot systems, two-block tie systems, insulated rail joints, rail lubrication systems, trackwork materials, rapid response/emergency track panels and experienced professional rail project management services nationwide. Website: www.lbfoster.com
L.B. Foster Company Sales and Media Contacts:
Greg Lippard, Vice President Rail Sales, L.B. Foster Rail Products Group
412.928.3506 glippard@lbfosterco.com
Jake Fuellhart, L.B. Foster Company Marketing Communications Manager
412.928.5645 jfuellhart@lbfosterco.com
SOURCE L.B. Foster Company
Web Site: www.lbfoster.com
