Opportunities often lie just beneath the surface. When looking at industries and communities, it is important to look past the headlines and marketing brochures to determine what else is happening.
A lot has been written about the U.S. energy resurgence and the transformative value of it to our economy. What is less written about is the resurgence of the U.S. rail industry, and what it means to U.S. manufacturing and our communities. Last week the Region hosted officials from the U.S. Federal Railroad Administration. One of the stops was just a few miles from downtown Columbus and the restaurants and shops of German Village and the Short North.
The biggest foundry in the United States resides along Parsons Avenue – yet another example of the Columbus Region’s strength as a manufacturing hub. Columbus Castings is a company with a storied history in our region and a powerful example of how the uptick in the rail industry is fueling growth in the railcar industry.
More railcars are needed and those that exist must be constantly maintained and upgraded to modern standards. It is estimated that Ohio has over 100 companies and thousands of jobs that exist because of the railroad industry. Great jobs exist at companies like Union Tank Car, Norfolk Southern, and CSX and dozens of others within our state.
–Kenny McDonald
One Columbus Update
- This week, the One Columbus team is hosting journalists who will learn more about the Columbus Region’s retail industry. We are also hosting the Brookings Institution, who we’ve been working with on Columbus Global Connect.
- One Columbus is working with Columbus CEO to publish a supplement this fall that highlights business founders in the Columbus Region. Advertising opportunities are available.