FreightCar produces 10,000th rail car at new Mexico plant

FreightCar America Inc. yesterday announced the production of its 10,000th rail car at its manufacturing plant in Castanos, Mexico.

The milestone marks the completion of transformation of the company's manufacturing process, FreightCar officials said in a press release. Built between 2020 and 2022, with the fourth line completed in 2023, the facility spans 700,000 square feet and employs 2,000 workers.

With four fully operational production lines, the plant has a capacity to build more than 5,000 units per year, with a fifth line available to increase production volume by approximately 20%, according to the company. The facility's location — about two hours south of the Texas border — allows for streamlined materials-sourcing and access to a "highly skilled local workforce," FreightCar officials said in a press release.

"Looking to the future, FreightCar America’s strategic decision to shift manufacturing to Mexico has set us apart and positioned us for sustainable and profitable growth," said CEO Nicholas Randall. "Reaching this milestone continues to establish new standards for excellence as we realize the benefits of vertical integration and cost optimization over the coming year."