On Feb. 17, 2016, U.S. Congressman Alex Mooney (R-WV-02) joined National Railroad Construction & Maintenance Association (NRC) member Appalachian Timber Services (ATS) for a tour of its Sutton, W.Va. facility.
Attendees included Rick Gibson, Vice President Sales/Marketing at ATS; Roy Henderson, Vice President Operation, ATS; Andy Andreykovich, National Sales Manager, ATS; Doris Pederson, CFO, ATS; Terry Samples, Production/Quality MGR, ATS; Don Leary, Procurement Manager, ATS; Brian Mackey, Procurement, ATS; Laura McNichol, AVP of Specialty Marketing, R.J. Corman Railroad Group; Willie Shaver, Train Master, A&O Railroad; Matt Rees, General Manager, A&O Railroad; Mike Joffred, Regional Manager, Vossloh Track Material; Frank Cogar, Owner, Braxton Enterprises; Rodney Hickman, Owner, Hickman Electric; Jason Boosel, Sales Manager, Atlantic Track; George Skidmore, County Commissioner, Braxton County; Jonathon Carpenter, Project Manager, Thrasher Engineering; Bruce Fitzwater, Calhoun Banks; Meredith Jones, Communications Director for Rep. Alex Mooney; Fred Joseph, District Director for Rep. Alex Mooney; and Lindsey Collins, VP of Grassroots Advocacy at NRC.
Rick Gibson gave an overview of ATS and its current operations. Since 1972, ATS has produced high-quality treated and manufactured timber products for the railroad industry. ATS is located in the heart of West Virginia’s prime hardwood timber-growing region and served by local sawmills. ATS treats and manufactures products for the railroads, transit agencies, railroad contractors and heavy industry. The company mainly serves the Appalachian Corridor region from Eastern Canada to South Carolina, and Indiana to the East Coast.
Gibson led a tour of the 22,000-square-foot facility. He showed the congressman and guests the nail plater, sorter, incisor, treating system, and boiler as well as manufacturing in process. ATS employs 47 people.
“Thanks to Appalachian Timber Services for an informative tour of t facility,” said Congressman Mooney. “Rail transportation is a huge part of the lifeblood of not only the 2nd district, but of West Virginia, the Appalachian Corridor, and the country as a whole. The great work being done by ATS helps ensure that this industry, and our local and national economies continue to thrive.”
Congressman Mooney was elected in November 2014 to represent West Virginia’s 2nd congressional district. In Congress, Alex fights to protect West Virginia values and make sure West Virginia continues to be a great place to raise a family. Alex believes that West Virginia is poised to be a leader in defending and promoting the all-American values of hard work, faith, and freedom that have made our country great. Alex serves on the influential House Committee on Natural Resources and the House Committee on the Budget.