JACKSONVILLE, Fla., Oct. 20, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- As CSX continues to evaluate network resources and match them to demand in a changing business environment, the company today announced the closure of the mechanical shops in Corbin, Kentucky.
The shops at Corbin were primarily used to maintain, inspect and service locomotives and rail cars for coal trains moving from Central Appalachia to the Eastern consumption regions. The decision to close the locomotive and car shops and a locomotive service center is the result of reduced need for locomotive and car maintenance there because of the significant decline of the region's coal traffic.
Approximately 180 active CSX employees who work at the facilities and in support roles will be affected. All affected employees at Corbin will receive at least 60 days of pay and benefits.
Union employees also may have other benefits available in accordance with their labor agreements. Many furloughed employees will be eligible for jobs in higher-demand areas on CSX's network.
Mechanical management employees at Corbin will be offered relocation opportunities as they are available, or will be eligible for severance benefits.
The Corbin rail yard will remain open and train operations will continue. Approximately 100 engineering and transportation employees will remain at Corbin to support and manage the yard traffic. A small number of mechanical employees will also remain to support train operations. Corbin continues to be an important part of the CSX network for the movement of automobiles, consumer products and other freight.
The combination of low natural gas prices and regulatory action has significantly decreased CSX's coal movements over the past four years, with more than $1 billion in coal revenue declines during that time.
CSX remains committed to delivering strong service to customers in the region. CSX also remains committed to the Commonwealth of Kentucky, with more than 2,900 miles of track in the state, an automotive distribution center in Louisville and the new Casky rail yard in Hopkinsville.
About CSX
CSX, based in Jacksonville, Florida, is a premier transportation company. Through its subsidiaries, it provides rail, intermodal and rail-to-truck transload services and solutions to customers across a broad array of markets, including energy, industrial, construction, agricultural, and consumer products. For nearly 190 years, CSX has played a critical role in the nation's economic expansion and industrial development. Its network connects every major metropolitan area in the eastern United States, where nearly two-thirds of the nation's population resides. It also links more than 240 short-line railroads and more than 70 ocean, river and lake ports with major population centers and farming towns alike. More information about CSX Corporation and its subsidiaries is available at www.csx.com. Like us on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/OfficialCSX) and follow us on Twitter (http://twitter.com/CSX).
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SOURCE CSX
