The Greenbrier Cos., Inc., Lake Oswego, Ore., announced the opening of a new regional hub in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, with a lease of nearly 6,000 square feet of office space in Colleyville, Texas. The hub positions Greenbrier closer to the bulk of its customer base and North American operations, as well as the Gulf Coast and Midwest energy and downstream markets.

In June, eight employees focused on product development, engineering and retrofit design work for tank cars will occupy the center. Over the next year, Greenbrier will hire additional employees in engineering or commercial roles.

"Our Dallas-Fort Worth hub positions Greenbrier at the center of the burgeoning energy markets that we expect will be a major driver of our business for years to come," says William Furman, chairman and CEO. "The new location allows Greenbrier easier access to the energy, petrochemical and plastics markets and to key customers, including Fort Worth-based BNSF Railway and most of our North American operations. More than 20 of Greenbrier's 37 sites in our wheels, repair and parts network are located in the Midwest and southern U.S., including three of Greenbrier's four shops certified to perform tank car repair and maintenance. In addition, Greenbrier builds new railcars at three facilities in nearby Mexico. Our Colleyville staff has product development expertise and strength in engineering that adds to our talented team around the world. Together, we will aggressively pursue retrofit opportunities for tank cars, design work for new railcars and other opportunities presented by the dynamic rail transportation and energy markets we serve."