L.B. Foster Exits Fabricated Bridge Grid Deck Business
Written by David C. Lester, Engineering Editor and Editor-in-Chief, Railway Track & Structures
(L.B. Foster Photograph)
L.B. Foster is discontinuing its fabricated bridge grid deck manufacturing and commercial operations in Bedford, Pa.
The company said that this decision “includes the separation of certain union and non-union employees in both Bedford and Greentree, Pa., [and] is a result of weak bridge grid deck market condition and outlook due to customer adoption of newer technologies replacing the grid deck solution.” The company added that this move would allow it to focus more attention on the bridge forms product line, a business which is growing and will continue to be produced at the Bedford site.
L.B. Foster expects to end fabricated bridge grid operations during fourth-quarter 2023.
John Kasel, President and CEO, commented: “In line with our strategic playbook and portfolio transformation objectives, this action is being taken to improve the overall health and prospects of our bridge business located in Bedford. Our bridge operation has been part of the Bedford community for over 50 years and the grid decking solution has a proud legacy and recognition in the market. Our focus today remains on expanding the bridge forms product line in Bedford and on supporting our customers and employees to ensure a smooth transition for everyone affected by this necessary decision.”
The company also said that “the exit of the bridge grid decking product line is not expected to have a material impact on its financial guidance for its fiscal year ending Dec. 31, 2023.”
