Geneva Illinois USA - Miner Enterprises recently announced that it plans to supply outlet gates and hatch covers for 3,800 new high capacity grain hopper cars ordered by Canadian Pacific (CP) and Canadian National (CN) railways.
 
National Steel Car in Hamilton is building the cars, 2,800 for CP and 1,000 for CN, which feature a new design that increases car capacity while reducing car length, allowing for more cars in a standard length train.
 
CP has announced plans to purchase 5,900 of the new cars in support of its Dedicated Train Program, which aims to "allow grain customers to respond more quickly to changes in the global grain market."
 
CP estimates that the new cars will increase per-train capacity by 16 percent, a number which CP said will increase to 44 percent when the railroad moves from 7,000 foot trains to 8,500 foot trains as has been planned.
 
Miner's AutoLOK II outlet gates were chosen for the new cars due to their reputation for "fast unloading and simple operation."
 
And the company's DuraShield hatch covers feature "a composite construction that is lighter and more durable than other designs, while far exceeding standards for seal performance."
 
Founded in 1894, Miner's products, such as draft gears, brake beams, gates, and constant contact side bearings, are currently in use on every Class I and Class II railroad worldwide.
 
"Miner has always been focused on improving efficiency and lowering our customers' operating costs," said Bill O'Donnell, Executive Director, Global Sales, Miner Enterprises.
 
"We're proud to have been selected as a partner in building the next generation of hopper cars."
 
Andrew Corselli.