EMD

EMD. Electro-Motive Diesel, historically known as the Electro-Motive Division of General Motors, is a prominent American manufacturer of diesel-electric locomotives and diesel engines for the rail transport industry. Founded in 1922, the company pioneered the transition from steam locomotives to diesel power, fundamentally reshaping North American railroads. Its products, most famously the EMD F-unit and EMD E-unit, became iconic symbols of the dieselization era. Now part of Progress Rail, a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway, EMD remains a key player in the global rail equipment market.

Overview

EMD is a leading designer and builder of diesel-electric prime movers for rail applications. The company's core business revolves around manufacturing complete line-haul and switcher locomotives, as well as supplying its proprietary EMD 710 and EMD 1010 series engines for both locomotive and marine propulsion markets. Its historical significance is anchored in its role as the primary catalyst for the demise of the steam locomotive in the mid-20th century, through aggressive development and marketing. Key to its success was the development of a reliable, high-powered two-stroke diesel engine, which offered superior efficiency and lower operating costs compared to steam technology. The company's locomotives have been operated by nearly every major Class I railroad in the United States, including the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway, Union Pacific Railroad, and Canadian National Railway.

History

The company originated in 1922 as the Electro-Motive Engineering Company, founded by Harold L. Hamilton and Richard M. Dilworth to market gas-electric motor cars. A pivotal moment occurred in 1930 when it was purchased by General Motors, becoming the Electro-Motive Division. Under General Motors, EMD achieved a breakthrough with the 1934 introduction of the streamlined Winton 201A engine in the Burlington Zephyr, demonstrating the potential of diesel power for high-speed service. The 1939 launch of the EMD FT, a fully standardized freight locomotive, proved decisively the superiority of diesel over steam, leading to massive orders from railroads like the Southern Railway (U.S.) and the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. Throughout the postwar period, models like the GP ("Geep") and SD series dominated the market. In 2005, General Motors sold the division to a partnership of Greenbriar Equity Group and Berkshire Partners, who renamed it Electro-Motive Diesel, Inc. It was subsequently acquired by Caterpillar Inc.'s Progress Rail subsidiary in 2010.

Products and services

EMD's locomotive product lines are categorized by horsepower and application. Its primary offerings include the SD70 and SD80 series of high-horsepower, six-axle locomotives for heavy freight duty, and the GP series of four-axle units for lighter service and switching. The company also manufactures the EMD F125 passenger locomotive. A cornerstone of its business is the EMD 710 and 1010 series of two-stroke diesel engines, known for their durability and used in locomotives and power generation. EMD provides extensive aftermarket support through Progress Rail Services, offering remanufacturing, field service, and parts distribution globally. The company has also developed locomotive control systems, including the Automatic Engine Start Stop technology for fuel savings.

Operations and facilities

EMD's primary manufacturing and engineering headquarters are located at its historic site in La Grange, Illinois, a facility established in the 1930s. This complex includes engine assembly lines, locomotive testing facilities, and research and development centers. Final assembly of complete locomotives for the North American market has also been conducted at a plant in London, Ontario, originally operated by General Motors Diesel. For the global market, EMD leverages the manufacturing and support network of its parent, Progress Rail, which has facilities worldwide. Key component manufacturing and remanufacturing operations are spread across locations in the United States, including Muncie, Indiana and Winston-Salem, North Carolina, as well as internationally in countries like Australia and Brazil.

Corporate affairs

Since 2010, EMD has operated as a core brand within Progress Rail, which itself is a wholly owned subsidiary of the conglomerate Berkshire Hathaway. This corporate structure provides significant financial stability and integration with complementary services like railroad track maintenance and signaling. The company competes primarily with Wabtec (the owner of the former GE locomotive business) and Siemens Mobility in the diesel-electric locomotive market. EMD has navigated significant labor relations challenges, including a notable 2012 lockout at its London, Ontario facility. Its corporate strategy focuses on technological upgrades to meet modern EPA Tier 4 emissions standards, developing liquefied natural gas conversion kits, and expanding its international footprint, particularly in markets like Africa and South America.

Category:Locomotive manufacturers Category:Companies based in Illinois Category:Manufacturing companies established in 1922