October 31, 2013
Contact: Scott Parkinson 520-631-1447
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
BENSON, Ariz., Oct. 31—San Pedro & Southwestern Railroad (www.argtrans.com) marks its 10th anniversary on November 3. Based in Benson, Ariz., where it connects with Union Pacific’s Los Angeles-Chicago main line, SPSR began operations in 2003 after acquiring the line from RailAmerica, Inc. (now Genesee & Wyoming, Inc.).
San Pedro & Southwestern’s oldest predecessor goes back 125 years to 1888 when the Arizona and South Eastern Railroad laid 60 miles of track from Benson to Bisbee, Ariz., eventually becoming part of the Southern Pacific.
“We’re proud to have played an integral role developing southeastern Arizona’s economy and being a good neighbor to the towns and cities we serve,” said Paul Thomas, vice president of operations for ARG Transportation Services, SPSR’s parent company. “Our goal is to continue using the resources at hand to grow the business, increase employment, operate in a safe, injury-free manner, and be responsible stewards of our environment.”
ARG Transportation Services also operates the 133-mile Coos Bay Rail Link, headquartered in Coos Bay, Ore.
Coos Bay General Manager Tom Foster thanked attendees and extended anniversary greetings from ARG President Scott Parkinson, who is on active duty with the U.S. Navy in Kabul, Afghanistan.
San Pedro’s customers and city officials joined employees and family members October 24 to celebrate the anniversary with a luncheon catered by Chef Michael Wright, music by Mick Flaherity, and rides on a “Speeder car,” a hi-rail inspection vehicle that belongs to Larry Crouch, a friend of the railroad. Guests included Benson Mayor Toney D. King, Sr. and Councilman Jeff Cook.
SPSR Operations Manager Richard Archunde and Administrative Assistant Ellie Islas were instrumental organizing the anniversary event.
San Pedro & Southwestern’s chief traffic sources are agricultural chemicals, feed grains and building products interchanged with the UP at Benson, Willcox and Casa Grande, Ariz.