Greenbrier proudly celebrated 30 years of continuous railcar production at its manufacturing facilities in Kennett, MO and Paragould, AR in June. Since opening their doors in 1994 and 1995, these plants have become pillars of Greenbrier’s North American operations—shaping careers, supporting communities and helping move the economy forward.
What began in a former cotton gin in Senath, MO, has grown into a thriving frame and parts plant in Kennett. The site produces key components for railcars built across Greenbrier’s network, serving a wide range of freight customers. Today, Kennett’s 275 team members operate across three shifts and support the surrounding region with more than 300 additional jobs in neighboring Arkansas.
At the Paragould site, more than 300 employees build boxcars and covered hoppers across two production lines. Together, these two facilities represent over 600 jobs and have produced thousands of railcars and components over the past three decades.
The anniversaries were marked by two celebratory events hosted at each facility. Employees and their families gathered for food, games, music and raffle prizes. Greenbrier executives—including Lorie Tekorius, CEO and President; Brian Comstock, Executive Vice President & President, The Americas; and Michael Donfris, Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer—joined team members to commemorate the milestone and recognize long-tenured employees who have been part of the journey since the beginning.
Greenbrier extends its deepest appreciation to the teams in Kennett and Paragould for their decades of dedication, craftsmanship and pride. Here’s to 30 years—and many more to come.
