In Tuscumbia, Alabama, a rail car manufacturer will build a new manufacturing facility. The latest “mega project” recruited to the state, this facility represents an investment of $350 million. When fully operational, the facility is expected to employ 1,800 workers and produce 8,000 to 10,000 units per year.
The rail car manufacturer is National Alabama Corporation. It is a newly formed subsidiary of National Industries, which is the parent company of National Steel Car. National Steel Car is based in the Canadian city of Hamilton in the Ontario province and has been a leading North American rail car manufacturer since 1912.
Company Chairman and CEO Gregory Aziz said, “Together with National Steel Car’s Hamilton facility, our new Alabama manufacturing facility will further reinforce our position as one of the largest and most modern manufacturers in the North American railcar industry.”
National Steel Car is currently the largest single-site manufacturing facility for freight railway cars in North America. It is capable of producing 15,000 new freight railroad cars per year.
“We look forward to a long and beneficial partnership as a successful business and active community member in the Shoals region,” said Aziz. “We are making a very long-term commitment to work with these communities as a responsible employer, to train and develop a large number of new associates, and to actively participate in programs that enhance the quality of life and community in this region.”
Alabama Governor Bob Riley thanked state and local officials for their industry recruitment approach. “Any time we bring a new industry to Alabama, it requires a strong partnership between the state, local officials, economic developers and the company. That partnership was out in full force on this project.”