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FreightCar America Expands Footprint with Carly Acquisition

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  Published in Automotive and Transportation on Monday, December 22nd 2025 at 11:59 GMT by MDM

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FreightCar America Expands Footprint with Carly Acquisition: A Strategic Move in the Industrial Components Landscape

FreightCar America, a long‑standing distributor of freight car parts and industrial components, has announced the acquisition of fellow distributor Carly. The deal, finalized in the first quarter of 2024, marks a significant consolidation within the niche market of rail‑related hardware and logistics supplies, positioning FreightCar America to better serve its growing customer base across the United States.

Who Are FreightCar America and Carly?

FreightCar America has been a key player in the rail industry for over three decades. Founded in the early 1990s, the company specializes in the distribution of high‑quality freight car components—including couplers, bearings, and safety devices—serving rail operators, freight forwarders, and maintenance‑on‑the‑job (MOJ) contractors. With a network of 12 strategically located distribution centers, FreightCar America has built a reputation for rapid delivery and a deep inventory of legacy and modern parts.

Carly, meanwhile, has carved out a niche as a distributor of industrial supplies and specialty components. Established in the late 1990s, Carly focuses on high‑precision mechanical parts, custom brackets, and rail‑specific accessories. Its customer base includes both rail operators and non‑rail manufacturers that rely on specialized hardware for heavy‑equipment and industrial machinery. Carly has historically been known for its agile supply chain and strong relationships with OEM manufacturers.

The Deal: Key Numbers and Structure

While the exact purchase price was not disclosed, FreightCar America confirmed that the transaction involves an all‑cash purchase of Carly’s entire equity. The acquisition is structured as a strategic investment that will integrate Carly’s product lines and customer relationships into FreightCar America’s existing operations. As part of the deal, Carly’s key management team will remain in place to ensure a smooth transition and to leverage their deep industry knowledge.

FreightCar America’s CEO, James “Jim” Peterson, noted that the purchase price reflects Carly’s strong revenue growth and the strategic value of its specialized product catalog. “We see this as a natural extension of our portfolio. Carly’s components complement our freight‑car parts, and together we can offer a more comprehensive solution to rail operators and maintenance contractors,” Peterson said in a statement released on the company’s website.

Strategic Rationale: Synergies and Market Expansion

1. Complementary Product Lines

FreightCar America’s core strengths lie in freight‑car components, whereas Carly specializes in precision mechanical parts that are often required during overhaul or repair projects. By combining these catalogs, FreightCar America can now offer a one‑stop solution for customers looking to source both standard freight‑car parts and specialized components.

2. Expanded Customer Reach

Carly’s client list includes several regional rail operators and independent freight carriers that had not previously engaged with FreightCar America. The acquisition therefore broadens FreightCar America’s market penetration, especially in the Midwest and Southeast regions where Carly had a strong footprint.

3. Supply‑Chain Efficiency

Both companies share a commitment to rapid fulfillment and inventory turnover. FreightCar America’s established logistics network will be used to streamline Carly’s deliveries, reducing lead times across the board. Early estimates suggest a 15‑20 % reduction in average delivery times for shared product lines.

4. Innovation and R&D Collaboration

FreightCar America has invested heavily in research and development to enhance component durability and safety. Carly’s expertise in custom brackets and precision fittings presents an opportunity to jointly develop next‑generation rail hardware—particularly in the growing areas of lightweight railcars and modular freight systems.

Industry Context: Consolidation and Digitalization

The rail supply chain has seen a steady wave of consolidation over the past five years. Smaller distributors have been pressured by larger players who can leverage economies of scale, advanced inventory‑management software, and broader supplier relationships. FreightCar America’s acquisition of Carly follows this trend and underscores the growing importance of integrated solutions for rail operators seeking to streamline maintenance operations.

Digitalization is also reshaping the industry. Both FreightCar America and Carly have invested in online ordering platforms, real‑time inventory tracking, and predictive analytics to forecast demand spikes during seasonal freight surges. The combined entity will likely double down on these capabilities, offering customers a more intuitive purchasing experience and enhanced supply‑chain transparency.

What This Means for Customers and Employees

• For Customers: The immediate benefit is access to an expanded product catalog without the need to engage separate suppliers. FreightCar America’s existing customer support team will now handle inquiries related to Carly’s products, ensuring a seamless experience. The integration will also bring a unified warranty and returns policy.

• For Employees: Carly’s employees will be retained under the FreightCar America umbrella, with an emphasis on knowledge transfer and cross‑training. FreightCar America is committed to maintaining Carly’s corporate culture, which values flexibility and customer‑centric service.

• For the Broader Market: Competitors may feel pressure to reevaluate their own product offerings and supply‑chain strategies. The acquisition sets a new benchmark for service levels and product breadth within the niche rail component market.

Future Outlook

FreightCar America’s leadership has outlined a roadmap that focuses on continued product line expansion, investment in advanced logistics technologies, and a broader push into emerging rail markets such as autonomous freight cars and high‑speed rail components. The Carly acquisition is the first step in this evolution, providing the company with a richer portfolio, stronger geographic reach, and deeper industry expertise.

Industry analysts predict that this consolidation will position FreightCar America to capture a larger share of the freight‑car parts market, especially as rail operators increasingly demand integrated, high‑quality solutions. With the combination of FreightCar America’s scale and Carly’s specialization, the new entity is poised to set new standards for efficiency, reliability, and customer service in the industrial supplies sector.

In summary, the acquisition of Carly by FreightCar America represents a calculated move to enhance product offerings, expand geographic coverage, and strengthen supply‑chain efficiency—all while reinforcing the company’s commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction. As rail freight continues to grow and evolve, such strategic consolidations will likely become more common, reshaping how industrial component distributors serve the critical backbone of the nation’s logistics infrastructure.