Rail Industry Specialist History
Company History
Rail Industry Specialist, Inc. ("RIS") was founded in 1994 after a complex series of rail related transactions were identified and successfully completed through the consulting efforts by Michael J. McGee, President of Rail Industry Specialist.
The RIS projects have been diversified and significant, including the facilitation of a truck trailer-manufacturing liaison between (the former) Thrall Car and Wabash National Corporation to reengineer RoadRailer trailers in the US, and to expand RoadRailer thru technology license for various International applications. In addition, RIS has completed the US brokerage of over 4,700 railcars, parts sales and selective "value added" railcar refurbishment programs.
The foundation of these transactions has provided RIS with a unique insight in both the US and International markets, and the search continues today for "undervalued" capital equipment where "value added" solutions could be incorporated into existing Locomotives, Railcars, and Wagons. These "new configurations" have served to create growth in new markets and create unique "synergy" between suppliers and customers. Thus, ultimately providing better Locomotives, Railcars and Wagons to end-users.
A Winning Partnership
Rail Industry Specialist, Inc. made a significant investment during 1995 through the joint acquisition of eighty (80) 70-ton PS-2 covered hopper cars in working partnership with Chicago Freight Car Leasing Company ("CFCL").
This group of eighty (80) PS-2 covered hopper cars’ "hulks" were converted into 70 ton, "open top" ballast cars with manual MK Phase VI Ballast Doors.
A well-timed purchase proved to be an important catalyst to expand the reach of both RIS and CFCL to cultivate the US maintenance of way market, and eventually to expand their reach to International customers including Canada, Mexico, and Panama.
RIS DOWN-UNDER
A natural progression to Australia occurred in early 1996 with the sale of $5,000.00 of draft gears to Morrison Knudsen in Australia. RIS had established solid contracts and developed contacts in Australia during Thrall Car’s licensing of RoadRailer to Australia National. Australia had mandated to privatize their government railways and allow the Australia customers to interface with the railroads similar to the freedoms spawned from the U.S. Staggers Act.
RIS and CFCL authored a comprehensive submission for Westrail’s tender and received the award to fully recondition, automate and export eight (8) of the PS-2 open top ballast wagons upgraded/equipped with Difco ballast doors and Cattron remote control.
The 1997 export of these eight (8) wagons to Westrail and subsequent acquisition of thirteen (13) EL Class Locomotives from the remnants of the sale of Australia National facilitated by RIS. This export and first purchase became the "building blocks" for CFCL Australia Pty. Ltd. ("CFCLA"). CFCLA now has rail related assets exceeding 200M and enjoys the undisputed reputation as the "Australian Industry Leader" in the supply of leased Locomotives, Railcars and Wagons.
Rail Related Projects Worldwide
RIS owns in partnership, and has long-term vested interest in over 1,400 Locomotives, Railcars, and Wagons. RIS facilitates all aspects of the rate and contract negotiation for the inland and ocean transport task which supports International Customers as they purchase reconditioned EMD 645 engines, AR-10 alternators, barber and ride control bogie castings, component parts and technology upgrades.
"Rail Related Projects Worldwide" is more than a catch phrase but the proud reflection of 25 years of cultivating and expanding relationships, listening and learning, strategic planning, sacrifice and unwavering dedication to the rail industry.