Page 8 - September 2020 Track N Times

OPERATIONS UPDATES

Operational Excellence Coins

Congratulations to the following employ-
ees for being recognized with an Opera-
tional Excellence Director’s Coin for the

Second Quarter

Allen Shadden, Superintendent SBC33 was nominated by Marc
Hackett, Director Ballast and Grade

I am pleased to select Mr. Allen Shadden, Superintendent
nd
SBC33, as the awardee for the 2 Quarter Director’s coin.
Allen has been a key player over the years in keeping his shoul-
der ballast cleaner in top operating condition. As Allen com-
pletes another year of shoulder cleaning on the BNSF Railroad
it is amazing to see his ten-year-old machine in better than new
condition. Cleanliness is what Allen is known for, but what
many don’t know is that Allen takes the time to find ways to
improve his operation. Allen finds flashing that can be im-
proved, he utilizes new tools to do a better job when it comes
time to remove the debris from the day’s digging, and Allen
does it all with a focus on safety. Allen is a stickler when it
comes to organizing his spare parts, this dedication has helped
him operate year after year with minimal downtime.
When you walk into Allen’s support car you feel as if you just
entered a dream garage. Nothing is out of place, and every-
thing has a place. This constant effort to keep things organized
is the result of Allen’s passion for excellence. Allen and his
team really do a wonderful job not just sometimes, but every
single day. Much of what we do at Loram goes unnoticed.
Cleaning ballast is not glamorous work, but it is essential. Em-
bracing the task of cleaning ballast has been Al’s life’s work
since he started in 1988. Staying focused, enthused, and dedi-
cated to Loram and our customers for all for those years is
something special. Thank you, Allen, for demonstrating that
even in the worst of conditions you can still shine. For that
attitude and your dedication, I gratefully award you the Direc-
tor’s coin for Operational Excellence.

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