[StBernard] LCTCS and Union Tank Car Honor Governor Blanco

[Westley Annis]

LCTCS and Union Tank Car Honor Governor Blanco


BATON ROUGE - Today, the Louisiana Community and Technical College System (LCTCS) and Union Tank Car honored Governor Kathleen Babineaux Blanco during a tour and presentation ceremony in Alexandria to show appreciation for her leadership and commitment to economic and workforce development for the State of Louisiana and the local community. 

Gov. Blanco toured the UTLX manufacturing plant along with Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Mike Olivier, UTLX General Manager Jim Shirvinski, and LCTCS President Joe D. May. 

"I want to thank Union Tank Car for inviting me back one last time as your Governor. The results we've seen today represent the progress underway to revitalize Central Louisiana's economy," said Gov. Blanco. "When you talk to employees and visit the production line, you can't help but recognize the potential for new growth in this region. Union Tank has provided 730 new jobs, and we've produced the skilled workforce needed to turn out 70 of the best and safest cars on the rails each week. Partnering with our technical and community colleges is a model for success."

During the tour, Gov. Blanco observed training classes, viewed the tank car production process, and spoke with technical college trained UTLX employees. The tour offered Gov. Blanco an opportunity to observe firsthand the partnership of Union Tank Car and the local Louisiana Technical College - a strong partnership which has led to 204 trained welders, 14 quality control/engineering staff, 40 office staff, and 50 maintenance trained employees. 

"Through the leadership of Gov. Blanco, LCTCS institutions have been presented with the opportunity to work hand-in-hand with business and industry such as Union Tank Car to create a stronger workforce for our state," said LCTCS President Joe D. May. "This partnership has provided a unique chance to put hundreds of people to work in the local community through the high quality technical training of the LTC-Alexandria campus."

The UTLX Manufacturing Plant was officially opened on June 21, 2006. Since its opening, UTLX has generated new economic and labor opportunities for the local area with the creation of more than 735 jobs at an annual payroll in excess of $26M.UTLX produces 70 tank cars per week.

Union Tank Car Company is the leading designer, builder, and manufacturer of railroad tankcars. Including its Canadian affiliate, Procor Limited, it owns a fleet of approximately 85,000 railcars. In addition to its manufacturing facilities in East Chicago, Indiana, Sheldon, Texas and Alexandria, LA the Chicago-based company operates a North American network of repair shops, lining shops and On-site (r) Repair locations.

Union Tank Car is a member of The Marmon Group, an international association of more than 100 companies that operate independently within diverse business sectors. Collective revenues exceeded $6.9 billion in 2006.

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The Louisiana Disaster Recovery Foundation