Watco Electric Switchers Are Receiving High Marks

After more than a year in production, Watco’s newly commissioned battery-powered switching locomotives are receiving high marks as they outperform original assumptions around functionality and sustainability.

The first test run for two switching units –converted from diesel-electric power to allelectric – occurred July 20 at Greens Port, Watco’s multimodal terminal and port facility in Houston, Texas. After adjustments in subsequent weeks, they were commissioned into full service in September.

“The results have absolutely exceeded all our expectations,” said Neil Heerdink, director of operations at Watco. Those expectations are highlighted in this video and flyer and have included reductions in carbon dioxide emissions, fuel and maintenance expenses, and the amount of lube oil and coolant used.

Some team members directly experiencing the benefits are those operating the switchers.

“I appreciate that we can spend less and pollute less by not running a diesel locomotive,” said Troy Vacala, a process assurance manager and one of a handful of people who have piloted the switchers. He also noted the quieter cab. “I enjoy not having to wear earplugs while operating these. Diesel switchers, they’re extremely loud.”

Vacala and other engineers – including one whose locomotive experience spans his five-decade career – seem to have adapted quickly to the battery-powered switchers. Tex Inman, director of locomotive support, has worked on locomotives since 1972 and has been with Watco since 1990.

He worked on the build team for months and also has been behind the controls. “I’m real impressed,” he said. “The way it performs is smoother than a diesel-electric. As far as operations, these things are the ticket.”

One reason for the smooth operation was an effort to place the battery controls in a similar place as those of the diesel-electric.

“All breakers and switches required to power up are in the same location,” said Keith Testerman, vice president and chief mechanical officer. “Engineers don’t have to turn on a generator field breaker now. We replaced that with a traction power breaker, but it’s in the same position as the generator field. That’s the kind of stuff, along with what we are seeing in performance of the unit, that’s been rewarding to me – to design it with minimal tutoring for the operator and then see it work beyond expectations. The engineers for the most part have been able to power it up and go.”

To convert these two switchers, Watco teamed up with Medha, a designer and manufacturer of locomotive control systems and other rail-related electronics. Medha provided key components of the power and control systems, and Watco personnel reassembled the locomotives.

The two units are among the first diesel-electric locomotives converted to fully electric using a conversion kit instead of building them from the ground up. “We’re excited about the kit nature of the conversions,” said Aaron Jensen, senior vice president of Materials Services. “We love the fact that a good chunk of the old diesel unit is repurposed. It makes this approach the most economical for industrial and short line operators.”

Watco plans to have customers see the switchers in person during private appointments hosted within the next few months at Greens Port.

Watco Opens New Warehouse, Logistics Operating Center in Arkansas

On September 28, the Watco team hosted an open house and ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the opening of its new warehouse and logistics operating center in Springdale, Arkansas, at the I-49 Logistics Park.

Local government officials, customers, and suppliers joined members of the Watco team at the open house. At the event, Watco CEO Dan Smith said: “The new logistics center is not just a building, but an investment in Northwest Arkansas. It represents Watco’s commitment to customers and our priority to meet their growing needs in the future.”

Watco Logistics President Eric Wolfe said, “Northwest Arkansas is a logistics hub in the U.S. with service needs spanning the logistics and supply chain spectrum. This facility was designed to meet the multi-dimensional needs of our current and future customers in this market.

“This location offers our customers a one-stop-shop solution for warehousing, transportation, special roll-out projects, e-commerce distribution, and reverse logistics.”

The new building features a total of 185,000 square feet of space, split between a 20,000-square-foot office space and 165,000-square-foot warehouse with 18 dock doors and three ramps. In addition, the warehouse features racking and floor space providing the ability to hold up to 18,000 pallets of freight. Senior Director of Retail Services Andy Moran anticipates the warehouse will store 11,000 pallets by the end of 2023.

Sixty-five team members are based in Springdale. Wolfe said, “Our new logistics operating center puts the entire Northwest Arkansas-based team under one roof. It’s the perfect space to bring all operations together to seamlessly serve our customers.”

A big-box retailer is just one example of a customer that the Watco team in Springdale serves. They receive, handle, inventory, kit, and consolidate equipment such as sound systems and display monitors.

Once product is ready to be delivered to retail stores, Watco coordinates delivery and installation of materials. Moran said: “We are this customer’s firstparty logistics provider. Watco handles it all, from PO (Purchase Order) to POD (Proof of Delivery). Rather than getting multiple invoices from different parties for all aspects of their product distribution, this customer gets one invoice from us.”

Another enhancement coming soon to the warehouse is a technology lab. Slated to open in 2024, this secured space offers its own technology infrastructure to prepare new devices and update existing hardware in bulk. Wolfe believes this new addition will “make us more than a service partner, but an extension of the customer.”