AUGUST 2022 — A Watco Mechanical Services (WMS) team is always fixing to do their best work for customers in and around Dallas, Texas. Railcar Coordinator Chris Burns leads this small team that includes Railcar Mechanics Brian Howell and Richard Burns. 

Together they primarily work on-site for a building materials customer. Originally consisting of only repairing railcars that move aggregate products like limestone, granite, and sand, business has since grown. This three-person crew now repairs railcars at the customer’s cement plant, too.

In a recent review, this customer noted, “The crew’s ability to mobilize and provide repair services at our various locations has been a major benefit for us. They have made a significant impact on the quality of our fleet.” 

Since their first day, the Watco team has been busy at this customer site. Tasked at that time with fixing 40 railcars that had been out of service for years, all three team members rolled up their sleeves and made the repairs within four months.

Inspecting inbound and outbound railcars is also a major part of the job for this Watco team. It’s a process that can take hours but is necessary to uncover potential defects. If repairs are needed, the team works together to quickly identify a solution.

Local WMS Operations Manager Richard Drummondo said, “Chris, Richard, and Brian are dedicated. They never say no. They will do anything and everything to help the customer. I can count on them to find a way to repair it the right way the first time.” 

The team’s work ethic has certainly paid off. The customer recently extended its contract with Watco for another two years. 

After putting in an eight-hour work day for this customer, the team also provides railcar repair to other businesses when needed. Business has spread thanks to this team’s reputation. 

“I’m proud of these guys,” Drummondo said. “ It doesn’t matter what time it is; the team is up for helping others.”  

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