RailNews

The Oregonian reports that the rail car producer with a century-long history in the Rose City will end production there in 2023. Photo Courtesy of Gunderson.

Gunderson to End Railcar Production in Portland

By Railfan & Railroad Staff

PORTLAND — Railcar manufacturer Gunderson is reportedly ending production in Portland in 2023, the Oregonian reports.

The railcar manufacturer has had roots in the city for more than a century, first as a fabrication business and later getting into shipbuilding starting in 1941 and railcars in 1958. The company maintains a 78-acre facility in northwest Portland and employs 450 people.

Company officials said that it is currently filling out a final railcar order that will be completed sometime in the spring. Once that happens, any future railcar orders will be completed at other facilities around the country. In 2019, the company purchased American Railcar Industries, which has two facilities in Arkansas.

“Once this line is complete, we will no longer produce railcars. We know that for sure,” said Jack Isselmann, vice president of The Greenbrier Cos., Gunderson’s parent organization.

Isselmann said it was too soon to know how many people would lose their jobs. The company still builds barges in Portland, although that part of the business was also going through a “strategic review.”