U.S. Rep. David Joyce (R-Ohio) on March 9, 2016 joined representatives from Iron Horse Engineering, the Manufacturing Advocacy & Growth Network (MAGNET), and the Railway Engineering-Maintenance Suppliers Association (REMSA) to tour Iron Horse’s manufacturing facility, learn about the burgeoning rail and manufacturing communities in Northeast Ohio, and discuss public policy priorities for the industries. Local manufacturers, railroads, and rail safety groups also joined the group.
MAGNET, a non-profit devoted to supporting, educating, and championing manufacturing in Northeast Ohio, and REMSA, a non-profit trade group representing over 350 railway engineers, contractors, consultants, and suppliers across the country, jointly coordinated the event.
“We were extremely pleased by the great turnout for this event, and to partner with REMSA and Iron Horse Engineering to make it happen,” said Dr. Ethan Karp, CEO, MAGNET. “As Northeast Ohio’s champion for manufacturing growth and innovation, I was excited to see the new product Iron Horse has developed and we at MAGNET look forward to helping them successfully enter the market.”
Joyce’s tour was led by Iron Horse Engineering Vice President, Tracie Roberts. A division of Montville Plastics & Rubber, Iron Horse Engineering Company was started in 1989 with the invention of the rail boot and continues to supply transit to heavy haul freight lines. All of Iron Horse’s innovative products are made in America and are a crucial part of the manufacturing renaissance around greater-Cleveland. The company employs roughly 50 people.
"We're thrilled to be able to represent a piece of the ever-expanding manufacturing industry in Northeast Ohio," said Roberts. "With Iron Horse's focus on safety and quality in the rail industry, having other rail industry experts and Congressman Joyce come together to discuss public policies that affect us all is vital to our industry.”
The group discussed the private nature of America’s freight railroad network which, unlike other modes of freight transportation, does not rely on federal support for the expansion or maintenance of its network. Additionally, the group highlighted Congressman Joyce’s support for increased funding for the Section 130, Railway-Highway Crossing Program, which enhances safety for all users of the road, and his support of the Short Line Tax Credit, which enhances transportation options for Ohio’s manufacturers.
"America grew and prospered because of a strong railroad system,” said Joyce. “This longstanding American tradition is crucial to the economy in Northeast Ohio, and the nation, and I’m proud we have the manufacturing base right here in Ohio’s 14th District to make that happen.”
“It was a pleasure to host Congressman David Joyce, who continues to be a strong advocate for safe, efficient, and effective rail network,” said Sean Winkler, Grassroots Coordinator, REMSA. “Iron Horse Engineering’s activism and willingness to take part in the public policy process benefits the entire rail supply industry.”
The event concluded with a networking lunch featuring attendees from Operation Lifesaver, Delta Railroad Construction, the office of Senator Rob Portman (R-Ohio), the office of Secretary of State Jon Husted, and others.