U.S. Rep. Banks tours Press-Seal's Indiana plant

U.S. Rep. Jim Banks (R-Ind.) yesterday visited Press-Seal Corp. in Fort Wayne, Indiana, to discuss public policy priorities for the rail and business communities.

During his visit, Banks toured Press-Seal's plant to learn about the company's freight-rail and transit products. The Railway Engineering-Maintenance and Suppliers Association (REMSA) — of which Press-Seal is a member — coordinated the event.

The company provides concrete tie anchoring solutions to the freight-rail and transit sectors. Press-Seal operates the plant in Fort Wayne and a logistics warehouse in Sparks, Nevada. Founded in 1954, the firm has grown to include manufacturing not only for rail and underground infrastructure, but also for rubber, plastic and machining.

Press-Seal Director of Operations Peter Skinner led Banks on the tour, showing him rail products such as Nylon tie inserts for concrete ties, rail pads for switches and special track work, and steel inserts used in concrete ties for the transit industry.

Press-Seal Chairman Jim Skinner told Banks that reliable and consistent funding from federal and state governments is critical to supporting rail supply manufacturing in Fort Wayne and across Indiana. The tour attendees also discussed with Banks the Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) grant program and its funding in Congress.

Also participating in the tour were Dorothy Hagan, board member of Northern Indiana Passenger Rail; Fred Lanahan, president of Northeast Indiana Passenger Rail Association; Gary Jones, product manager of Press-Seal Rail Products; Daniel Skinner, sales director of Press-Seal Corp.; and Sean Winkler, advocacy director at REMSA.

Press-Seal employs 180 people in Fort Wayne.