On the right track

Business is hopping now for FreightCar America, and its officials are pleased with the Roanoke shop.

Five shiny new aluminum coal cars rolled, whisper-quiet, into the sunlight outside FreightCar America’s manufacturing plant in Roanoke on a recent Thursday.

FreightCar’s presence in Roanoke has been as quiet as its new cars since the first ones eased out the door in June, ending a five-year shutdown at Norfolk Southern Railway’s old East End Shops where cars were built of steel.

FreightCar America is riding the crest of a wave. Coal is in demand, prices are up and railroads are in a spending mood.

While most of Roanoke wasn’t looking, Chicago-based FreightCar’s stock more than tripled in value, from $19 to $70. Activity is strong at its other manufacturing plants, in Danville, Ill., and Johnstown, Pa.

Roanoke Times