The Greenbrier Companies (NYSE : GBX)
Rewriting the Future of Freight Rail with Innovation and Sustainability

Lorie L. Tekorius, CEO and President

The Greenbrier Companies, a global leader in transportation manufacturing and services, has spent over four decades rewriting the future of freight rail, driven by innovation and sustainability at every turn.

Founded in 1919 as Gunderson Brothers in Portland, Oregon, the company quickly shifted from steel fabrication to manufacturing railcars. A key milestone came in 1985 with the Twin-Stack® railcar, a design that transformed intermodal transportation and set the foundation for Greenbrier’s success.

Over the years, Greenbrier expanded its footprint globally, establishing major manufacturing plants in Mexico, Poland and Brazil. In 1999, the company introduced the Auto-Max® railcar, changing the landscape of automotive logistics. Its commitment to safety took a leap forward in 2014 with the launch of the ‘Tank Car of the Future,’ setting new industry safety standards.

Today, Greenbrier continues to lead the way, embracing technology like RailPulse™ for GPS tracking in freight rail. Under the leadership of CEO Lorie Tekorius, the company is focused on driving the future of rail, prioritizing efficiency, safety and environmental responsibility. Greenbrier’s commitment to progress is clear—it is not just adapting to the future, but actively shaping it.

Advancing Rail Technology

As one of North America’s leading railcar manufacturers, Greenbrier produces over 25,000 high-quality railcars annually. Renowned for award-winning designs and longevity of up to 50 years, its diverse portfolio includes single-, bi- and tri-level auto carriers, versatile boxcars, durable centerbeams, covered hoppers, heavy-duty flatcars and tank cars for liquid and gaseous commodities. Built for efficiency and reliability, Greenbrier’s railcars are trusted to handle everything from bulk materials to specialized freight with unmatched performance.

Beyond manufacturing, Greenbrier excels in providing comprehensive railcar services, including leasing, management and maintenance. These offerings ensure end-to-end solutions for customers, enabling them to optimize operations and enhance profitability.
Greenbrier Leasing Company (GLC) manages one of the largest railcar leasing fleets in North America. Through flexible leasing options, including full-service leases and net leases, the company caters to varying client needs. Whether clients require a completely managed solution or prefer to oversee maintenance schedules independently, GLC’s offerings provide the necessary flexibility. Its fleet is diverse, including auto racks, boxcars, centerbeams, covered hoppers, gondolas, intermodal units and tank cars, ensuring suitability for a wide array of commodities.

Fleet management is another core pillar of Greenbrier’s services. Greenbrier Management Services (GMS) provides tailored solutions that enhance efficiency while reducing operational costs. The company’s capabilities include real-time rail logistics support, complete with dynamic ETA updates and rerouting insights. GMS also ensures full regulatory compliance with hazardous material transport guidelines and mechanical standards. The team’s technical expertise extends to fleet maintenance management, training programs for inspections and repairs and advanced car hire accounting solutions that simplify complex administrative processes.
To keep operations seamless, Greenbrier operates a robust maintenance network across North America, featuring full-service repair centers and mobile units for on-site fixes. Specialty services like tank car retrofits and custom-engineered projects address unique client needs, while an extensive inventory of aftermarket parts ensures the availability of high-quality components. These services are integral to supporting the company’s vision of delivering unmatched customer value throughout the railcar lifecycle.

By integrating leasing, management and maintenance into a seamless service model, Greenbrier enable its clients to operate efficiently while navigating the complexities of the freight rail industry.

Building a Sustainable Future

The Sustainable Conversions™ initiative exemplifies Greenbrier’s commitment to sustainability, transforming older railcars into eco-friendly alternatives that extend its lifecycle while reducing environmental impact.

In 2019, Greenbrier released its first Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) report, adopting the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) reporting framework. This marked a significant step in aligning the company’s goals with global sustainability standards. By investing in greener technologies and practices, Greenbrier has demonstrated leadership in reducing the carbon footprint of rail transportation.

Greenbrier’s efforts to align its operations with environmental goals extend beyond railcars. The company has actively pursued initiatives that promote sustainable practices across its supply chain, manufacturing processes and product lifecycle. By focusing on circular economy principles, Greenbrier is driving progress toward a more sustainable freight transportation ecosystem.

Its emphasis on safety, sustainability and innovation positions Greenbrier as a partner of choice for customers seeking reliable and forward-thinking solutions. Whether it is retrofitting existing railcars, introducing cutting-edge designs or leveraging data analytics for enhanced operations, Greenbrier continues to redefine possibilities in the freight rail industry.

A Vision for Tomorrow

Greenbrier’s ability to adapt and thrive in challenging markets is rooted in its visionary leadership and dedicated team. The early 1980s recession tested its resilience, but the company emerged stronger by embracing innovation and diversifying its offerings. This adaptability continues to shape Greenbrier’s legacy today.

Under the leadership of Tekorius, the first woman to lead the company, Greenbrier has prioritized technological advancements, inclusive workplace practices and sustainability. Her leadership reflects the company’s commitment to empowering its workforce while driving meaningful innovation. The team’s expertise and collaborative spirit have been instrumental in delivering industry-defining innovations like the Multi-Max™ and maintaining exceptional customer service standards.

In 2024, Greenbrier celebrated 30 years as a publicly traded entity by ringing the New York Stock Exchange bell—a testament to its enduring success and forward-looking vision. Whether it is through groundbreaking innovations or its relentless focus on service excellence, Greenbrier continues to set the standard for what is possible in freight rail. With a legacy rooted in excellence and a future defined by purpose, Greenbrier stands ready to shape the next chapter of the railroad transportation industry.