Carswell to join The Western Group as VP of operations

The Western Group has named Bruce Carswell vice president of operations, effective Dec. 1. He will transition into the new role during the fourth quarter.

Carswell most recently was vice president of Permian Basin logistics for the Permian Basin Railways owned by Iowa Pacific Holdings (IPH). He has more than 30 years of railroad experience, including a stint as a senior vice president at Genesee & Wyoming Inc.

Carswell managed IPH's short lines in the Lubbock, Texas, area through a five- to six-fold growth in traffic and the construction of multiple new customer facilities, The Western Group officials said in a press release.

"Carswell brings great strength and exceptional experience to this role. He oversaw an unprecedented expansion of business as the Energy Revolution firmly took hold in West Texas and eastern New Mexico," said Dave Durbano, the company's owner and chief executive officer. "His knowledge of car movement, track maintenance, customer relationships and management style will be a valuable asset."
 
Based in Ogden, Utah, The Western Group owns and operates Western Railroad Builders Inc., Wyoming Colorado Railroad Inc. (Oregon Eastern Branch), Clarkdale Arizona Central Railroad L.C., Verde Canyon Railroad L.C., Southwestern Railroad Inc. and Cimarron Valley Railroad L.C. The Kansas Department of Health and Environment recently presented an award to the Cimarron Valley Railroad for its commitment to protecting the environment and public safety by properly managing waste crossties.