Exciting New Uses for Automatic Rapid Discharge Cars – Manual Operation

D. A. International Casting Company/WINE Railcar Products is supplying WINE double adjustable locks for a program to convert automatic rapid discharge cars to manual operation.  The cars feature four pockets and will be used to haul aggregate.  The WINE locking system is easy to apply, reliable and service proven.

“This is an exciting expansion of our WINE double adjustable locks,” said David Kerrigan, President/CEO of D.A. International Casting Company. “We believe there are 100,000 cars that can be converted so we can put these cars back to work in the aggregate industry.” Contact us for more details.

D.A. International Marching Forward with Safe Operations

D.A. INTERNATIONAL MARCHING FORWARD WITH SAFE OPERATIONS

As you are well aware, local governments are mandating closures of non-essential business in many areas due to the COVID – 19 crisis. While Ohio has issued a stay at home order, D.A. International Casting Company is classified as an essential business as we are a critical supplier for the transportation industry. We hope we can play a small role in making sure every American has access to the supplies we all desperately need during these trying times.

Still, the health and safety of our employees is of utmost importance to us, as we stay open to continue to provide our customers the quality products they need to continue their operations. D.A. International Casting Company is following all of the guidelines issued by the State of Ohio to make this happen. We believe we have a very safe environment for our employees, and are grateful to have their dedication and support during this pandemic.

“While these times are far from normal, we are continuing to fill our customer’s orders in a timely manner,” said David Kerrigan, President & Owner of D.A. International Casting Company. “Preparing for a crisis like this is impossible, however, our inventory program has allowed us to continue to meet our customers’ needs during unprecedented times.”

Rest assured that we are doing everything we can right now to maintain a normal flow of business at D.A. International. If you have any questions, please reach out to us, or visit the U.S. Department of Homeland Security website at https://www.cisa.gov/publication/guidance-essential-critical-infrastructure-workforce.

Again, we thank our devoted family of employees at D.A. International for continuing to provide excellent customer service. We also thank our customers for their loyalty and trust in us. This situation is not forever and we look forward to easier times for all. Please stay safe and know we are doing everything we can to continue to provide the highest quality service and support to our customers.

Chinese Tariffs Force U.S. Steelmaker to Sue the U.S.

(Photo from JSW website)

As trade talks with China fall apart again, JSW Steel announced it is suing the U.S. for  not exempting the company from the imposed steel levies. The company says it was forced to pay tens of millions of dollars in tariffs because it does not have enough domestic steel slab  to produce their products. According to the JSW website, the company is one of the largest plate mills in America. It manufactures pipeline products and items such as hot rolled coiled bands.

“This is just one example of the unintended problems with the current tariffs on the steel industry,” said David Kerrigan, President and CEO of D.A. International Casting Company. “The impact of the current  tariffs on steel products is vast and continues to hurt U.S. companies and consumers. This is just one example of a U.S. company being hurt by the ongoing trade war with China.”

D.A. International Casting Company serves over 800 customers and stocks over 1,100 different products–including an extensive supply of railcar replacement parts. D.A. International products include premium investment castings, forgings, stampings and fabrications. This extensive inventory allows the company to accommodate multiple markets, such as the railroad industry, mass transit, agriculture, heavy trucking, mining and telecommunication.

The entire Bloomberg article on this developing story is available online.

D. A. International Casting Company’s Rapid Release Offered by Tealinc

In an effort to increase efficiency and safety, D.A. International Casting Co. developed the Rapid-Release Cam Lock Assembly.  In an exciting partnership with Tealinc, Ltd., the Rapid-Release system is currently available on 4000 cubic foot open top hoppers with manual discharge outlet gates.

The Rapid-Release Cam Lock Assembly is designed using the same technology as the proven single door cam lock system, but requires fewer parts than that of a pair of single door cam locks.  With one cam lock system, a pair of hopper doors can be operated from either side of the rail car by one person.  It is easy to install on new or existing conventional hopper cars since it features standard mounting hole locations.

“We are excited to be able to work with Tealinc, Ltd. to combine over 100 years of railcar experience, with modern technology,” said David Kerrigan, CEO and President of D.A. International Casting Company. “This innovative product helps strengthen the future of the railcar industry by keeping in mind safety, cost, quality and long-term reliability.”

U.S. Government Imposed Tariffs Hit Steel Castings & Forgings

On July 6, 2018, the U.S. Government issued another round of tariffs. Unfortunately, there are some D.A. International Casting Co. products that have been impacted. David Kerrigan, President/CEO of D.A. International Casting Co., expressed extreme disappointment in the recent tariffs. “History has proven that tariffs like these do not work. Instead, such tariffs usually escalate into trade wars which result in higher prices for consumers.” D.A. International will continue to monitor the situation very closely and do everything in the company’s power to continue to provide top quality castings and forgings at a competitive price.

Below is the letter sent to some of the company’s customers that were hurt by the tariffs.

D.A. International Announces Partnership with Tealinc

D.A. International Casting Company is proud to announce a new partnership with Tealinc Ltd. on the Rapid-Release Cam Lock Assembly. D.A. International’s Rapid-Release system is the most advanced manual door lock system specially designed to allow one person operation from either side of the car. This system assures that unloading open top hopper cars is easier, safer and more efficient.

Tealinc, Ltd is a dynamic results-driven company that specializes in transportation solutions for shippers, railroads and investors. Tealinc, Ltd. buys and sells railcars and locomotives to the shipper, railroad and investor community. They also supply railcars through operating leases.

“This new partnership with Tealinc Ltd. offers an exciting new opportunity for D.A. International Casting Company,” said David Kerrigan, President and CEO of D.A. International Casting Co. “We are delighted to be working with this major leasing company to offer the most advanced manual dumping system on the market.”

The Rapid-Release system is designed using the same technology as the proven single door cam lock system, but requires fewer parts than that of a pair of single door cam locks.  With one cam lock system, a pair of hopper doors can be operated from either side of the rail car by one person.  It is easy to install on new or existing conventional hopper cars since it features standard mounting hole locations.

Be sure to check out our Videos section for more information on the Rapid-Release. 

KERRIGAN HITS THE ICE WITH NHL ALL-STAR ALUMNI

To kick-off the NHL All-Star game weekend in Columbus, Ohio, David A. Kerrigan, President/CEO of D.A. International Casting Company, joined some former NHL All-Stars for an All-Star Alumni game on the outdoor rink at the All-Star Winter Park presented by Worthington Industries.

The event took place at the Scotts Miracle-Gro Community Rink, where fans lined the glass to catch a glimpse of former Blue Jackets like Fredrik ModinAndrew Cassels, and Jody Shelley. Current Blue Jackets assistant coach Brad Larsen also took to the ice with members of the Blue Jackets hockey ops department for a less-conventional morning skate. It was a great way to welcome folks to Columbus for an incredible weekend of All-Star fun.

David Kerrigan & Jody Shelley

David Kerrigan Joins the Fight agains Pediatric Cancer at “THE CREASE”

David & Heather Kerrigan

“The Crease” kicked off All-Star Weekend by raising $600,000 for pediatric cancer research

“Where being bad is good” was the theme for The Crease, a one-of-a-kind underground speakeasy party to raise money for pediatric cancer research. With $600,000 raised by the Blue Jackets Foundation on Thursday night, it’s safe to say there was plenty of good done.

The story behind The Crease is unique; when planning for the 2015 NHL All-Star festivities in Columbus, the Blue Jackets Foundation sought to do something different and something memorable to support its signature cause. Hosted at the legendary Columbus Athenaeum on 4th St. downtown, the 1920s-style prohibition underground party contained few details and many secrets – but that was the plan all along.

All that the party’s attendees needed was the appropriately-themed attire, a ticket and a way to get downtown. The rest was unveiled right before them, as various entertainers took the stage in the main ballroom and kept the vibe going throughout the evening. Magicians, dancers, musical acts…the night had surprises and special guests at every turn and kept attendees guessing as to what was next.

Some of those in attendance: the Blue Jackets’ All-Stars Nick Foligno and Ryan Johansen, Blue Jackets majority owner John P. McConnell, president of hockey operations John Davidson, GM Jarmo Kekalainen, NHL commissioner Gary Bettman, NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly, and several Columbus dignitaries who joined in the celebration for a good cause.

The entire cost of the event was underwritten by the McConnell Family Foundation, meaning every penny raised went directly to the Blue Jackets Foundation’s fight against pediatric cancer.

“The thought was to do something really special to celebrate Columbus and the weekend. It wasn’t so much about the fundraising part but more so celebrating the city, but you don’t get a gift like this from the McConnell Family Foundation and not leverage that,” said Cathy Lyttle, vice-chairwoman of the Blue Jackets Foundation. “The idea behind the speakeasy theme was fun to think about – we wanted something unique. We didn’t want to do something where everyone sits down and has dinner at a table of 10. We wanted something that was secret, where you needed a password, which was kind of analogous to Columbus.

“The people who came to Columbus for All-Star Weekend discovered our little secret and probably saw our city in a way that they haven’t before. It was a fun to celebrate a night and we tried something that hadn’t been done before, and I think we succeeded.”

The big surprise of the night came after a “police raid,” ushering the crowd from the lower level of the Athenaeum to an upstairs theater, where emcee Johnny DiLoretto introduced Sara Bareilles, known for hit songs like “Love Song” and “Brave.” Bareilles played several of her songs, some on the piano and others on guitar, keeping the audience entertained with her trademark dry sense of humor.

“We really loved Sara Bareilles’ tie to us and our cause through the song ‘Brave,’” Lyttle said. “It has a lot of meaning. We liked the song and its attachment to the fight against pediatric cancer. When she sang that song at the end, we showed images from our Flashes of Hope calendar and our team’s connection to these kids. Plus she’s just a great entertainer, and her style seemed to fit the speakeasy theme – she was casual, funny, and absolutely a fantastic fit for this event.”

“We really loved Sara Bareilles’ tie to us and our cause through the song ‘Brave,’” Lyttle said. “It has a lot of meaning. We liked the song and its attachment to the fight against pediatric cancer. When she sang that song at the end, we showed images from our Flashes of Hope calendar and our team’s connection to these kids. Plus she’s just a great entertainer, and her style seemed to fit the speakeasy theme – she was casual, funny, and absolutely a fantastic fit for this event.”

Rapid-Release Videos

D.A./WINE Railcar Products offers its most advanced manual door lock system and it is called Rapid-Release. It is designed using the same technology as the proven single door cam lock system, but requires fewer parts than that of a pair of single door cam locks.  With one Rapid-Release cam lock system, a pair of hopper doors can be operated from either side of the rail car by one person.  It is easy to install on new or existing conventional hopper cars since it features standard mounting hole locations.  The Rapid-Release is built WINE tough and features dual outboard hooks to help support the commodity more evenly.  This patented design features over-center locking cams which are self locking when the car is loaded.  A secondary lock is built in for added safety and as a provision to operate in rotary dump service.  Whether building new cars or converting existing cars, the Rapid-Release will do the job.  With over 100 years of railcar experience, we are building for the future while keeping in mind cost, quality and long-term reliability.

Rapid Release – Introducing The New Generation WINE Manual Door Lock System

In 2009, D.A. introduces its new generation WINE manual door lock system called  Rapid-Release .  The  Rapid-Release cam lock system is based on our proven single door cam lock technology, but features simultaneous control of a pair of hopper doors.  The locking points are on both sides of the car for strong support and the cam lock assembly is designed for easy application to conventional open top hopper cars.  It can be readily applied to new or existing new equipment.  Best of all, one person can operate the  Rapid-Release  cam lock from either side of the car.