Teleweld,, a rail-equipment manufacturer and a member of the NRC and REMSA, hosted U.S.  Rep. Darin LaHood (IL-16) on September 23 at its headquarters in Streator, Ill.

The visit featured a tour of the offices and the manufacturing facility as well as a discussion with Teleweld employees. The discussion focused on the current economic environment in the rail industry and the state and the Teleweld’s impact in the region and the broader rail industry. The discussion also touched on important legislative and policy issues impacting rail contractors and suppliers, including transportation reauthorization priorities.

“A safe and reliable rail network keeps our supply chain efficient and products moving throughout Illinois’ 16th District and the United States,” said Rep. LaHood. “I enjoyed the opportunity to visit with the Teleweld team in Streator to learn more about their unique manufacturing process and work to increase passenger safety and bolster U.S. railways.”

“The Teleweld employee community appreciated the opportunity to build a relationship and exchange ideas with U.S. Rep. LaHood at our facility in Streator. We were thrilled to show off our manufacturing capabilities and explain how our technology is used to enhance the reliability of efficiency rail infrastructure throughout North America.,” said Teleweld President Kevin Hawks. “We look forward to continued dialog with U.S. Rep. LaHood about ways to build a stronger economy and rail network to serve our state and our nation.”

In addition to Hawks, other key Teleweld leaders participating in the tour and discussion included, Human Resources Manager Karen Downey, General Manager Kyle Porter, and Teleweld’s former President Mike Supergan. They were joined by City of Streator Mayor Tara Bedei, City Manager Dave Plyman, City Engineer Jeremy Palm and Director of Community Development Dean Chalky.

The Streator facility opened in 1960 and currently has 13 employees. Equipment manufactured on site is used by Class I railroads, rail-transit lines and railway contractors for construction and maintenance activities throughout North America.,

About Teleweld - Founded in 1939, Teleweld began servicing the railroad industry as a welding contractor and has grown into a trusted manufacturer of rail equipment. Teleweld manufactures Continuous Welded Rail (CWR) Heater Cars, first introduced in 1969, the CWR Heater Cars have been in use by leading railroads ever since.  Teleweld also maintains a fleet of CWR Heater Cars available for lease on a monthly basis, allowing Teleweld to meet the demands of large railroads and small contractors alike.  

About the NRC - The NRC is a U.S. tradeassociation that advances the mutual interests of railway contractors and suppliers who construct, maintain and supply freight railroads and rail-transitand passenger lines. Founded in 1978, the NRC connects members with otherrailway industry professionals and government officials and policy makers. The NRC collaborates with its members, government, and industry leaders to create apositive business climate and to make railway construction and maintenance safer and more efficient.
 
About REMSA - REMSA’s mission is to provide global business development opportunities, to transfer knowledge about markets, products and the industry to members and their customers, and to support the initiatives advancing the North American railroad industry. REMSA was created in 1965 by the merger of the Association of Track and Structure Suppliers and the National Railway Appliances Association, two long-standing organizations in the railroad maintenance-of-way industry.  The association represents companies and individuals who manufacture or sell maintenance-of-way equipment, products, and services, or are engineers, contractors and consultants working in construction and/or maintenance of railroad transportation facilities. REMSA members constitute a large part of the maintenance-of-way industry.