Category: Marmon Group

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Marmon Group

Berkshire Company Tackles the Kitchen Bottleneck: Prince Castle Debuts Toast EZ

(BRK.A), (BRK.B)

Prince Castle, a Berkshire Hathaway company that is part of known for improving restaurant efficiency, has introduced Toast EZ, a next-generation commercial toaster designed specifically for quick service restaurant (QSR) environments. The launch comes as operators face mounting challenges, including labor shortages, tighter profit margins, and increasing expectations for speed and consistency.

Modern QSR kitchens are under pressure from expanding menus, limited-time offers, and a growing variety of bread options. These factors often turn toasting into a bottleneck, especially during peak hours when staff must frequently adjust settings, leading to delays, inconsistent results, and food waste.

Toast EZ aims to solve this issue with a dual-lane system that allows operators to toast two different bread types simultaneously. Each lane is independently controlled, enabling instant setting changes and helping maintain steady kitchen throughput even during busy periods.

The toaster features a large, user-friendly control panel with 32 programmable bread icons. With a simple tap, staff can switch settings, reducing training time and minimizing errors—an advantage in high-turnover, multilingual work environments. Infrared radiant heat technology ensures fast, even toasting, with options for top-only or full heating and adjustable browning levels.

Designed for practicality, the compact unit fits easily into tight kitchen spaces and supports shelf installation. It also includes an energy-saving mode that can cut power consumption by up to 25% during slower periods.

According to Senior Product Manager Christine Peggau, Toast EZ is built to help operators keep up with increasing demands while maintaining consistency and efficiency. As the foodservice industry continues to evolve, innovations like Toast EZ highlight how small operational improvements can have a significant impact, particularly for multi-unit and franchise businesses.

Toast EZ is now available for order, with rollout options for both single-location operators and large restaurant brands.

Prince Castle is headquartered in Carol Stream, Illinois and part of the Marmon Foodservice Technologies family.

© 2026 David Mazor

Disclosure: David Mazor is a freelance writer focusing on Berkshire Hathaway. The author is long in Berkshire Hathaway, and this article is not a recommendation on whether to buy or sell the stock. The information contained in this article should not be construed as personalized or individualized investment advice. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

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Marmon Group

Cornelius Unveils Fully Automated Beverage System for QSRs

(BRK.A), (BRK.B)

Berkshire Hathaway-owned Cornelius, a global leader in beverage dispensing solutions, has announced the launch of its Automatic Crew-Serve Dispenser (ACSD), a fully automated system designed to streamline beverage preparation in quick service restaurant (QSR) drive-thru and counter operations.

The introduction of ACSD comes as the QSR industry continues to prioritize automation and efficiency. With drive-thru service playing a critical role in revenue, even small time savings per order can significantly impact overall performance. Cornelius says its new system can reduce beverage preparation time by up to 34 seconds per order.

ACSD automates the entire drink-making process—from receiving the order to dispensing cups, ice, and beverages, and staging completed drinks. By eliminating manual steps, the system aims to improve speed, accuracy, and consistency while reducing the workload on staff.

The system integrates directly with point-of-sale (POS) platforms, allowing seamless operation without manual input. It can handle multiple beverage types, including flavor shots, supports up to 16 syrups from a single nozzle, and offers automatic, semi-automatic, and manual modes for flexibility. Built-in visual order identification further helps reduce errors and confusion during busy periods.

Cornelius developed ACSD in response to ongoing industry challenges, including labor shortages, rising operational costs, and increasing customer expectations. Beverage stations, often still highly manual, have become a common bottleneck in otherwise modernized kitchens.

Rather than replacing workers, ACSD is designed to support them by simplifying workflows and freeing staff to focus on customer service and other higher-value tasks.

Early results suggest meaningful operational benefits. In addition to faster service, operators may see increased throughput during peak hours, improved order accuracy, and a potential return on investment within 12 to 18 months, depending on volume.

The system is also built with scalability and maintenance in mind, sharing roughly 60% of its components with existing Cornelius equipment and including a two-year parts and labor warranty.

Initial pilot programs across several QSR brands are already underway. According to early user feedback, the system enhances existing workflows rather than disrupting them, allowing teams to operate more efficiently with fewer resources.

ACSD will be available for broader deployment starting in the second quarter of 2026, with pilot and multi-unit rollout programs currently open.

© 2026 David Mazor

Disclosure: David Mazor is a freelance writer focusing on Berkshire Hathaway. The author is long in Berkshire Hathaway, and this article is not a recommendation on whether to buy or sell the stock. The information contained in this article should not be construed as personalized or individualized investment advice. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

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Marmon Group

Berkshire’s Marmon Rail Unifies Services Under New Railserve Brand

(BRK.A), (BRK.B)

Marmon Rail has announced the launch of a unified Railserve brand, bringing together Railserve, Ameritrack, and Powerhouse under a single name and refreshed visual identity. The move is designed to simplify how customers access Marmon Rail’s railyard services and better understand the full scope of available offerings.

According to Laurie Stiles, President of Railserve, customers often engage with the company in different ways. By consolidating services under one brand, Railserve creates a clearer, more streamlined experience—making it easier for customers to see its capabilities and connect with the right teams.

Under the unified Railserve brand, customers can access a comprehensive range of services, including industrial switching, material handling, transloading, track construction and maintenance, and locomotive repair. The change reflects how the organization already operates in practice, while improving coordination and accountability across service areas.

Chris Hagge, Group President of Marmon Railyard and Repair Services, emphasized that the unified brand strengthens the company’s market position and supports long-term growth. He noted that it provides a stronger platform for investment and enables more effective delivery of integrated solutions.

By combining three experienced teams under one identity, Railserve aims to enhance collaboration, deliver more connected services, and better support customer needs. The transition builds on existing operations while positioning the company for continued expansion.

Railserve remains a leading provider of industrial railyard services, focused on safety, reliability, and operational efficiency. Marmon Rail, part of Marmon Holdings—a Berkshire Hathaway company—continues to offer a broad portfolio of rail solutions across North America.

© 2026 David Mazor

Disclosure: David Mazor is a freelance writer focusing on Berkshire Hathaway. The author is long in Berkshire Hathaway, and this article is not a recommendation on whether to buy or sell the stock. The information contained in this article should not be construed as personalized or individualized investment advice. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

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Marmon Group

Marmon Rail Launches Transco Rail Services as Unified Repair Brand

(BRK.A), (BRK.B)

Berkshire Hathaway’s Marmon Rail has introduced Transco Rail Services, a unified repair identity that brings together UTLX Field Services, Procor Field Services, and Transco Fixed Repair Shops under one name. The move creates a single, clearly branded partner for railcar owners and shippers, simplifying access to shop repairs, on-site programs, mobile railcar repair, and mobile tank car cleaning—while maintaining the same safety, compliance, and quality standards customers expect.

“Customers have asked for a simpler way to engage our network,” said Bob Nelson, Group President of Transco Rail Services. “With one identity, one standard, and clear accountability, it’s easier to schedule work, reduce handoffs, and keep fleets in service.”

The new brand reflects an integrated approach already operating across North America, allowing customers to tailor the right combination of on-site support and fixed-shop capacity to their fleet needs—now under a single name designed to make doing business easier.

Leadership emphasized that while the name is new, the foundation remains unchanged. “Our people, safety programs, and disciplined quality procedures continue to be the basis of every job we do,” said Craig Rioux, President of Transco Shop Services.

UTLX and Procor will remain Marmon Rail’s brands of record for manufacturing, full-service leasing, and leased fleet repair. Transco Rail Services will continue delivering on-site and mobile repair services for the UTLX PROX fleet, while also supporting the broader railcar owner community.

Effective January 1, Transco Rail Services began appearing on all communications, with the new logo rolling out across uniforms and facilities. The organization supports customers across North America through 13 full-service fixed shops and more than 100 on-site and mobile repair locations, offering inspections and qualifications, running repairs, heavy shop work, and tank car cleaning for tank and freight cars of all manufacturers.

© 2026 David Mazor

Disclosure: David Mazor is a freelance writer focusing on Berkshire Hathaway. The author is long in Berkshire Hathaway, and this article is not a recommendation on whether to buy or sell the stock. The information contained in this article should not be construed as personalized or individualized investment advice. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

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Marmon Group UTLX

UTLX Donates Rail Tank Car to Enhance First Responder Training in Chicagoland

(BRK.A), (BRK.B)

Berkshire Hathaway’s Union Tank Car Company (UTLX), a leading rail tank car manufacturer and lessor, has donated a full-size rail tank car to strengthen hands-on training for the Chicago Fire Department, the Calumet City Fire Department, and neighboring municipalities. The 43-foot-long, 15-foot-high, 61,100-pound car has been permanently installed at the Calumet City Public Safety Training Center.

An official handover ceremony will be held December 8 at the center, located at 24 State St. in Calumet City. The addition of a real tank car will allow first responders to practice emergency response techniques involving rail equipment and hazardous materials in a realistic setting.

UTLX, headquartered in Chicago along with parent company Marmon Holdings, emphasized the importance of supporting local emergency personnel. “This rail tank car donation will provide invaluable hands-on training opportunities for Chicagoland firefighters and emergency personnel,” said Neil Finn, President of UTLX.

First responders say the resource will significantly enhance preparedness. “Rail incidents are complex, and firefighters need to understand the real hazards they’ll face in the field,” said Lt. Matt Drew of the Chicago Fire Department. “This rail tank car gives us the ability to practice safe, methodical response techniques before we ever encounter a true emergency, which ultimately protects both our firefighters and the community.”

© 2025 David Mazor

Disclosure: David Mazor is a freelance writer focusing on Berkshire Hathaway. The author is long in Berkshire Hathaway, and this article is not a recommendation on whether to buy or sell the stock. The information contained in this article should not be construed as personalized or individualized investment advice. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

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Marmon Group

Marmon Rail Launches ProTecht, Rail Industry’s First Mobile Autonomous Tank Car Cleaning System

(BRK.A), (BRK.B)

Berkshire Hathaway’s Marmon Rail has unveiled ProTecht, a proprietary mobile cleaning system that brings safer, more sustainable, and highly efficient on-site tank car maintenance to rail yards across the U.S. and Canada. Operated by Marmon Rail brands UTLX in the U.S. and Procor in Canada, ProTecht is the rail industry’s first mobile, autonomous cleaning solution for tank cars.

Tank car cleaning — traditionally a hazardous process requiring workers to enter confined spaces with potential chemical residues — is now automated with ProTecht’s patent-pending technology. Developed over four years by inventor Evan Ingram, the system is compatible with all tank car types and offers three cleaning modes: water filtration for light residues, steam injection for midgrade commodities, and a high-impact automated cannon for hardened residues.

By using a closed-loop system that filters and reuses water and detergent, ProTecht reduces waste, lowers environmental impact, and boosts operational uptime. The mobile design eliminates costly transport to fixed cleaning facilities, cutting downtime and improving fleet utilization.

“Marmon Rail has long led the industry in railcar repair,” said Jay McGill, President, Repair Services, On-Site & Mobile. “ProTecht builds on that legacy with a cutting-edge system that is safe, sustainable, versatile, and purpose-built for on-site deployment.”

© 2025 David Mazor

Disclosure: David Mazor is a freelance writer focusing on Berkshire Hathaway. The author is long in Berkshire Hathaway, and this article is not a recommendation on whether to buy or sell the stock. The information contained in this article should not be construed as personalized or individualized investment advice. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

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Marmon Group UTLX

Berkshire Hathaway’s Railcar Giants Merge Forces for Greater Efficiency

(BRK.A), (BRK.B)

Union Tank Car Company (UTLX) and Procor Limited, both subsidiaries of Marmon Holdings, Inc., a Berkshire Hathaway holding company, have announced a strategic consolidation of operations across North America. This initiative aims to streamline processes, enhance collaboration, and improve customer service.

Under the new structure, UTLX and Procor will operate as a unified entity, aligning resources and expertise to better meet the evolving demands of the rail industry. “By consolidating our operations and realigning our leadership team, we are strengthening our ability to deliver consistent, high-quality products and services to our customers across North America,” said Neil Finn, President of UTLX and Procor.

Key Leadership Appointments:

Kate Suprenuk, President of Leasing and Manufacturing: With extensive experience in railcar leasing and finance, Suprenuk will oversee UTLX and Procor’s leasing and manufacturing operations, including key production facilities.

Jeremy DeLacerda, President of Engineering, Quality, and Repair: DeLacerda will lead engineering, quality, and repair operations across the network, leveraging over 20 years of industry experience.

Randy Pocrnick, Senior Vice President of Leasing Sales and Marketing: A veteran of Procor, Pocrnick will drive sales, marketing, and customer experience initiatives.

The transition is already in motion, with a strong focus on minimizing disruptions for customers and employees. UTLX and Procor remain committed to maintaining the highest standards of safety, quality, and operational excellence.

Together, UTLX and Procor operate a fleet of approximately 120,000 railcars, serving key industries such as chemical, petrochemical, energy, and agriculture. With this transformation, the companies aim to deliver even greater value and efficiency to their customers across North America.

© 2025 David Mazor

Disclosure: David Mazor is a freelance writer focusing on Berkshire Hathaway. The author is long in Berkshire Hathaway, and this article is not a recommendation on whether to buy or sell the stock. The information contained in this article should not be construed as personalized or individualized investment advice. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

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Marmon Group

Berkshire Hathaway’s UTLX Partners with 225 Rail to Expand Railcar Services in Houston

(BRK.A), (BRK.B)

Union Tank Car Company (UTLX), a strategic partnership with 225 Rail to provide comprehensive railcar services for owners and shippers. The collaboration will operate out of 225 Rail’s 1,000-car storage terminal in Pasadena, TX, strategically located on the south side of the Houston Ship Channel.

The partnership leverages UTLX’s expertise in railcar cleaning, repair, and requalification services at a centrally located facility served by the PTRA, with access to major railroads like UP, BNSF, and CPKC. This ensures low freight costs and faster turnaround times for customers, improving fleet utilization. The facility is equipped to handle various rail car types, including tank and hopper cars, offering reliable and efficient services to meet the growing demands of the region.

Jay McGill, Marmon Rail President of Repair Services, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration: “We are extremely excited to work with 225 Rail to deliver a full range of value-added railcar cleaning, inspection, and maintenance services for our customers. This partnership allows us to continue providing industry-leading, high-quality, and cost-effective solutions that meet their needs.”

225 Rail, known for safely managing railcar storage, switching, and transloading, sees this partnership as an opportunity to expand its offerings. “Historically, 225 Rail’s core business has been railcar storage and transloading,” said Deborah Willits, CEO of 225 Rail. “This partnership with UTLX allows us to become a one-stop shop for all rail needs. UTLX’s commitment to safety and customer service makes them a perfect partner for 225 Rail.”

This collaboration signifies a major investment in Houston’s rail infrastructure, boosting operational efficiency and fostering regional economic growth. By combining UTLX’s service expertise with 225 Rail’s strategically located terminal, the partnership aims to set a new standard for railcar maintenance and support in the region.

© 2025 David Mazor

Disclosure: David Mazor is a freelance writer focusing on Berkshire Hathaway. The author is long in Berkshire Hathaway, and this article is not a recommendation on whether to buy or sell the stock. The information contained in this article should not be construed as personalized or individualized investment advice. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

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Marmon Group

Berkshire Hathaway Sells Ambucor Health Solutions

(BRK.A), (BRK.B)

91Life has acquired Ambucor Health Solutions from Berkshire Hathaway’s Marmon Holdings, significantly expanding its capabilities in cardiac remote monitoring. Ambucor, known for its expertise in monitoring cardiac implanted electronic devices (CIEDs) and wearables, will be integrated into 91Life’s Heart+, a cloud-native platform powered by AI.

Mike Iversen, Chief Commercial Officer at 91Life, emphasized that this acquisition will strengthen their position in the cardiac monitoring industry by offering more advanced AI-driven tools for real-time decision-making. Bleron Baraliu, CEO of 91Life, highlighted their commitment to using AI and big data to revolutionize healthcare, enhancing patient care with innovative and cloud-based solutions.

© 2024 David Mazor

Disclosure: David Mazor is a freelance writer focusing on Berkshire Hathaway. The author is long in Berkshire Hathaway, and this article is not a recommendation on whether to buy or sell a stock. The information contained in this article should not be construed as personalized or individualized investment advice. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

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Marmon Group

Leadership Transition and Expansion at Marmon Rail’s North American Leasing Business

(BRK.A), (BRK.B)

Marmon Rail, a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway, is witnessing significant leadership changes and expansion in its North American railcar leasing operations. Kate Suprenuk has been appointed as the President of Railcar Leasing North America for Marmon Rail. In this new role, Suprenuk will spearhead the leasing activities of Union Tank Car Company (UTLX) and Procor Limited, covering all railcar leasing endeavors under Marmon Holdings in North America. Notably, Randy Pocrnick, the President of Procor Leasing, will continue in his current role and report directly to Suprenuk.

Suprenuk’s promotion aligns with the announcement of the impending retirement of Bill Constantino, who currently serves as the Group President of Marmon Rail Leasing. Effective January 1, 2024, Constantino will transition into the role of Senior Vice President of Advisory Services, with plans to retire later in the year.

Mark Carrier, the Executive Vice President of Marmon Rail & Crane Groups, expressed confidence in Suprenuk’s abilities, stating, “Kate has been an integral part of Marmon Rail during her seven years with the company. Her experience, enthusiasm, and leadership make her the ideal candidate to assume this critical role.”

Kate Suprenuk expressed her honor and eagerness to lead the organization, stating, “I am honored to lead this exceptional organization and look forward to working with our dedicated employees to continue to provide excellent railcar products and services across North America.”

Suprenuk has a wealth of experience, having served as President of Leasing at UTLX since January 2022. Her impressive 30-year career spans various business functions, including nearly two decades in GE Capital’s Intermodal and Railcar Leasing divisions, where she held the position of Chief Financial Officer.

Bill Constantino, who has had a successful 45-year career with the company, will retire in 2024. During his tenure, Constantino played a pivotal role in leading the business through multiple economic cycles and shaping the industry. His invaluable contributions and industry knowledge have been a cornerstone of Marmon Rail’s success.

Marmon Rail’s North American railcar leasing business combines the leasing units of Union Tank Car Company (UTLX) and Procor Limited. These two entities are North America’s premier designers, builders, and full-service lessors of railroad tank cars and specialized railcars. UTLX and Procor jointly own a fleet of approximately 120,000 railcars, serving customers in industries such as chemicals, petrochemicals, energy, and agriculture/food. UTLX manufactures tank cars in the United States and, in collaboration with Procor, provides railcar maintenance services at over 100 locations across North America.

Both UTLX and Procor are integral parts of Marmon Holdings, Inc., a Berkshire Hathaway company.

© 2023 David Mazor
Disclosure: David Mazor is a freelance writer focusing on Berkshire Hathaway. The author is long in Berkshire Hathaway, and this article is not a recommendation on whether to buy or sell a stock. The information contained in this article should not be construed as personalized or individualized investment advice. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.