CN, Amsted Rail ink wheel-making deal

CN announced yesterday a new long-term contract with railway wheel equipment manufacturer Amsted Rail to produce 1 million wheels for use at CN's Transcona mechanical facility.

The new wheels will be produced over the next 10 years at Griffin Wheel Co. in Winnipeg, Canada.

"CN has a long and successful partnership with Amsted Rail and its Griffin Wheel Co. facility in Winnipeg," said Gerry Weber, CN's vice president of supply, fleet and fuel management, in a press release. "We are pleased to renew our partnership and solidify CN's business relationships in the city of Winnipeg."

Amsted will use 100 percent recycled steel to build the wheels. Winnipeg is home to CN's Transcona Shops, where wheels are mounted on axles and become wheelsets installed on freight cars moving on the railroad's lines. The city is also home to Symington Yard, one of CN's largest rail-car switching facilities, and CN Campus, the Class I's national employee training center.

"Both CN and Amsted Rail have a history of dedication to excellence, coupled with a shared commitment to our employees and the community, making this an ideal venture," said Amsted Rail VP of Human Resources Wayne Luce.