ARI merges with USR to produce high speed passenger cars

Things may be looking up for American Railcar Industries in Marmaduke and Paragould. A change in product could lead to new jobs in the area.

According to a press release, ARI will join with U.S. Railcar, LLC, to produce self-propelled diesel engine passenger cars which will be able to travel along railways currently in place across the world.

The news is a good sign for ARI, which, along with many other industries, has been hindered by the sluggish U.S. economy. While the Marmaduke and Paragould ARI facilities have been announced as locations where the passenger cars will be built, it is unknown at this time how many jobs the shift in manufacturing will create.

In the release, ARI president and CEO James Cowan noted the company's efforts to continue its strong industrial presence by changing to meet new needs and take advantage of additional opportunities.

"ARI is excited to participate in this opportunity to join USR and bring ARI's freight rolling stock manufacturing heritage to the passenger equipment sector. Our commitment to expand and diversify ARI's manufacturing program results from ARI's desire to grow and build on the expected federal commitment to passenger rail as part of a balanced national transportation system. Through this partnership, we look forward to being an integral part of that new growth with modern passenger rail equipment built in the USA."

Designs for cars already have been created, with some already in operation in Portland, created by the now-defunct Colorado Railcar Company. This same design will be used by the U.S. Railcar Company, the name of the combined venture.

The cars will be able to carry 80 passengers in the single level design, while the bi-level, or double-decker cars can hold 150 passengers. Each car will be able to travel at speeds up to 125 miles per hour and will be driven by an onboard engineer.