Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon returned to his hometown Friday (Nov. 4) to unveil Union Pacific Railroad’s newest product to be built at the De Soto car shop, the AutoFlex car, designed to transport vehicles.
The 90-foot car was rolled out behind the outdoor podium just before the governor spoke.
The car is designed to be configured for either two or three decks of cargo, depending on the height of the vehicles being transported.
UP vice president of corporate relations, Bob Turner, who spoke before the governor, said De Soto is the only car shop that will produce the AutoFlex. Production was announced earlier this year, and 100 cars are expected to be produced by the end of 2011, with 200 more expected in 2012.
“Building the future right here in the heartland is what we live to do and what we’ll continue to do,” Nixon told the assembled workers and guests. “Hard work and innovation are who we are.”
After his brief speech, the governor and other dignitaries were given a short tour of the carshop.
The De Soto shop employs about 288 workers.
See the Nov. 10 Jefferson County Leader for more information about the governor’s visit to De Soto.
-- Patrick Martin
