La Grange, IL - Over 1,400 employees gathered at EMD’s headquarters and manufacturing campus in La Grange, Illinois to celebrate the company’s fifth year of independence since being spun off from General Motors Corporation in April 2005.

Honored guests included U.S. Congressional Representatives Dan Lipinski and Judy Biggert, along with Mayor Jeffrey Tobolski of McCook and Mayor Robert A. Conrad of the town of Countryside.

A variety of activities were held to mark the occasion including a formal program that featured the remarks of EMD’s president and chief executive officer, John S. Hamilton.

Hamilton observed, “Five years ago there were feelings of uncertainty regarding the future of the organization. Employees who had worked their entire careers at GM did not quite know what to expect as there were many challenges facing the Company.” He commented, “There is little doubt that had EMD remained under GM ownership that the story today would be quite different.” Hamilton went on to describe EMD as arguably the most successful of all GM spin-offs despite the effects of the great recession.

Over the past five years, EMD has increased investment in R&D, nearly tripled capital expenditures upgrading its factories with state-of-the-art equipment, doubled revenues, increased exports five-fold and grown its labor force and supplier base significantly.

Hamilton commented, “EMD is an iconic American high-technology manufacturing company that has transformed itself into one of the true success stories in heavy manufacturing.”

“EMD’s ability to successfully navigate through a period of extraordinary economic turmoil is a testament to the talent and hard work of the investors and managers who have revitalized this once-dominant company since purchasing it from General Motors,” Congressman Lipinski said. “EMD’s performance over the last five years furnishes yet more proof that with dedication, foresight, and the proper investment, American manufacturing has what it takes to thrive in today’s global economy. I congratulate EMD and its employees, and I look forward to watching it build on its storied past and continue growing as a major employer in the Third District for many years to come.”

EMD continues to provide innovative solutions that contribute to the success of its customers by providing industry leading products that enhance railroads’ environmental stewardship through improved fuel economy and reduced emissions.

“It’s exciting to celebrate this special anniversary with all the dedicated employees whose ingenuity and hard work have made Electro-Motive Diesel such a success,” said Congresswoman Judy Biggert (R-IL-13). “In just a few short years, the company has positioned itself as an industry leader, bringing advanced and efficient designs to our rail yards, expanding exports, and creating good jobs right here in suburban Chicago. I congratulate John Hamilton and his staff on their anniversary, and I look forward to seeing EMD continue to grow, innovate, and prosper.”

About Electro-Motive Diesel, Inc.
Founded in 1922, Electro-Motive is one of two U.S. original equipment manufacturers of diesel-electric locomotives. Headquartered in La Grange, Illinois, with additional facilities in London, Ontario, and San Luis Potosi, Mexico, EMD designs, manufactures and sells diesel-electric locomotives for all commercial railroad applications and has sold its products in more that 70 countries. The Company is the only diesel-electric locomotive manufacturer to have produced more than 72,500 engines and has the largest installed base in both North America and world-wide. In addition to its manufacturing activities, EMD has an extensive aftermarket business offering customers replacement parts, maintenance solutions, and a range of value-added services. The Company is also a global provider of diesel engines of marine propulsion, offshore and land-based oil well drilling rigs, and stationary power generation. Additional information may be found at www.EMDiesels.com.