Blue Ridge Railcar Repair to add 37 jobs in Charlotte County

Keysville-based Blue Ridge Railcar Repair LLC unveiled Monday a $2.4 million expansion plan that’s expected to create 37 jobs. 

Blue Ridge Railcar, which repairs, cleans and paints railcars, will expand to meet increased marketplace demand and grow its customer base.  The company was created earlier this year when Patriot Rail Co. LLC acquired Alderman Railcar Services Inc. Jacksonville, Fla.-based Patriot Rail operates 500 miles of railroads and railcar repair facilities in 14 states.

“Patriot Rail’s investment in our Virginia-based Blue Ridge Railcar Repair is directly related to the support received from the state and local economic development councils,” John Fenton, Patriot Rail’s president and CEO, said in a statement. “We were also attracted to the facility’s unique locale which will allow for expansion, as well as access to a nearby community college with a vocational training program to support new hires and continuing education for employees.”

Gov. Terry McAuliffe approved a $100,000 grant from the Governor’s Opportunity Fund for the project. The Virginia Tobacco Indemnification and Community Revitalization Commission also approved a $155,000 grant for the project. The company may be able to receive benefits from the Virginia Enterprise Zone Program, and The Virginia Jobs Investment Program will provide funding and services for Blue Ridge Railcar’s employee training.