(The following appeared on the Fort Worth Star-Telegram website on March 4, 2011.)
FORT WORTH, Texas — For evidence of an economy on the rebound, consider the trifecta at Burlington Northern Santa Fe: more revenue, more profits, more jobs.
Last week, the Fort Worth-based railroad reported a 20 percent increase in 2010 revenue and a 38 percent gain in operating income, topping $4.5 billion. That’s the most profitable year in the company’s long history.
Just as important, BNSF Railway is hanging out a “Now Hiring” sign, posting more than 50 job openings on its website in the past two weeks alone. BNSF says it has already recalled about 3,000 workers nationwide who were furloughed during the recession.
Railroads are often considered an economic indicator, especially for the industrial sector. As a recovery gains traction, rail shipments rise for raw materials — and they fall quickly in a downturn.
BNSF is a marquee player that didn’t just survive the Great Recession. It’s stronger than ever and still coming back. It’s no surprise that Warren Buffett and the president would notice, but it still must feel awfully good.
The full story appears at www.Star-Telegram.com.