Expanding HPI’s Presence in the Australasian Rail Market

Posted: July 12, 2017 2:41 pm

39-year Rail Executive, Jim Griffiths, Joins HPI Team

Over the years, HPI has diligently worked to develop and expand our presence within the Australasian rail market. As the market and our organization evolve, we have recognized the demand for consistent representation within Australia and New Zealand. It is with great enthusiasm, that we announce the addition of Jim Griffiths to our team. Jim will be fulfilling the role of account development and management within these geographic areas, applying the skills and relationships that he has established throughout his 39-year railroad career.

A thorough and well-organized executive, Jim is driven by customer service and bottom line results. His major strengths include rolling stock maintenance management, safety management, railroad operations, mobile locomotive maintenance procedures, customer relations, locomotive leasing, and component manufacturing and sourcing. “Greenfield” operational start-ups, and overall project management also contribute to his well-rounded professional profile.

Jim was born and raised in Boise, Idaho. There, he met his wife Kathleen, and they started a family, raising their daughter Stephanie and son James. Jim attended Boise State University, graduating with a BA in Business. Prior to completing his degree, Jim went to work for Morrison Knudsen (MK), a large engineering, construction and manufacturing corporation. Jim began in the Locomotive Division, which catered to locomotive remanufacture and track construction. He saw division growth participating in material control, cost engineering, shop supervision, estimating and sales/marketing. He was also responsible for new shop start-ups both in the US and Australia, and also new division start-ups leading to executive positions in Manufacturing Operations and Sales.

In addition to his twenty-two years at MK, Jim’s experience also includes:

  • OmniTRAX Denver as VP Sales & Project Management Locomotives
  • Hatch & Kirk Seattle as VP Sales Worldwide Engines and Engine Parts
  • 2nd stint at OmniTRAX as Sr. VP Sales, Leasing and Mobile Maintenance & also CMO
  • Australian Rail Group as GM Rolling Stock based from Perth Western Australia handling a fleet of 250 locomotives and 3000 wagons
  • United Group (UGL) Sydney as Executive GM of Sales and Product Development and key liaison officer with GE Transportation
  • Watco WA Rail a new ground-up freight railroad company as Chief Operating Officer & President in Perth Western Australia
  • Sr. VP Projects with WWAR charged with locomotive fleet availability and reliability improvements

Jim’s wealth of knowledge and experience is a tremendous asset, and we are fortunate to have him as the face of HPI in the Australasia market. We could not be more pleased to have him join us and we look forward to the journey. Welcome aboard, Jim!