‘Steam Services of America’ sets up shop in Tabor City

TABOR CITY, NC (WWAY) — A new business is making a permanent stop in Columbus County.  

Steam Services of America is a company that repairs steam engines and trains. 

The new Garrell Depot in the heart of Tabor City will house the business. 

“Today’s a great day. It’s gonna be a part of Tabor City. So, we’re just so happy and honored to have them here,” Tabor City Mayor, Royce Harper, said. 

Steam Services of America has more than 25 years of experience on the tracks. Along with repairs, a complete line of steam locomotive parts and greases will be accessible.  

Company President, Robert Franzen, said the addition will add dozens of new jobs to the Columbus County economy and encourage surrounding counties to travel to Tabor City for their steam engine and locomotive needs. 

“Looking forward to moving to Tabor City, moving our corporate offices here, opening up our repair facility, and bringing economic development and jobs to this county,” Steam Services of America President, Robert Franzen, said. 

Franzen said setting up shop in Tabor City has been a vision of his since 2007. 

State Representative, Brenden Jones, called Tabor City his home.  

He said with this opportunity and the new housing developments going up, Tabor City is seeing history in the making.  

“Getting Tabor City back to what I even quoted was ‘the progressive city’ back in the 40s and 50s. So, we’re being very progressive, we’re looking at new ideas we going outside the box,” Rep. Jones said. 

He said this project is being funded by the $9 million that was allocated to Tabor City within the state budget.