COMPANY PROFILE

Chicago-based AMSTED ® Industries was founded in 1902 as American Steel Foundries, the result of combining eight foundries in the East and Midwest, the earliest being the Solid Steel Company dating to 1882. American Steel Foundries and Keystone, Industries merged in January 2001. The company was renamed as ASF-Keystone, Incorporated.

ASF-Keystone designs and builds freight car energy management systems. The components that make up these systems are, side frames, bolsters, articulated connectors and couplers, draft gears, cushioning devices, constant contact side bearings, and snubbing packages that include hot coiled steel springs for rail cars. Our springs are also used on heavy construction and earth moving equipment.

At ASF-Keystone, our focus is on helping our customers compete. As part of the Amsted Rail, we’re able to draw from a staff of innovative sales personnel, product engineers, and field service managers to work hand-in-hand with the railroad freight car transportation industry. We foster close and frequent communication with the people who use our products, so that we know first-hand the challenges our customers face. We then get to work developing new technologies and product advancements that help them master those challenges. For example, we might work with a car builder to develop a cast draft arm that integrates with the car design, and then supply a complete draft assembly, including a cushion unit, draft gear or coupler.