BNSF deal won’t affect Vancouver operations
(The following appeared on The Columbian website on November 4, 2009.)
VANCOUVER, Wash. — A spokesman for BNSF railroad said Tuesday that the Berkshire Hathaway acquisition will not affect the rail company’s operations in Vancouver, where 700 BNSF workers are based.
With as many as 100 trains and some 700 rail cars a day moving through its west Vancouver rail yard, BNSF has a strong presence here and throughout the Northwest.
The company owns 1,600 miles of track in Washington and employs 3,000 workers, with a statewide payroll of $189 million.
"We will continue business as usual with a focus on safety and customer service," said Gus Melonas, BNSF spokesman.
The railroad company, now a merged business many times over, has operated in the region since 1873.
BNSF’s stock price closed Tuesday at $97.39, up $21.32 a share, or 28 percent, on the day.
Wednesday, November 04, 2009
