Operations and Training Center
Transforming rail safety and training with MxV Rail
As the rail industry continues to grow and evolve in the United States, the need for comprehensive safety protocols and advanced training facilities becomes more critical. MxV Rail, a subsidiary of the Association of American Railroads and a leader in rail research, recognized this need. They envisioned a facility that would embody their mission: to “do things right when things go wrong.” Our Advanced Industries team, in collaboration with contractor H.E. Whitlock, brought this vision to life by transforming a historic 1950s industrial building into a state-of-the-art Operations and Training Center. This center, located at the PuebloPlex complex in Pueblo, Colorado, stands as a testament to innovative design, adaptive reuse, and a commitment to advancing rail safety.
Revitalizing post-war facilities for modern needs
MxV Rail selected the 16,000-acre PuebloPlex site as the new home for its Operations and Training Center because of its proximity to rail tracks and existing structures. Rather than building a new facility, our team collaborated with structural engineers from Martin/Martin to repurpose an existing 1950s Army ammunition storage facility. Through this adaptive reuse, we transformed the historic structure into a modern hub for training, research, and operations while honoring its industrial roots.
The design process involved significant structural upgrades, including the addition of 72 columns to meet current wind and snow load requirements. By blending durable materials like timber and steel with exposed joinery, we linked the building’s military past to its future as a research facility. This approach not only preserved the building’s history but also optimized the project’s timeline and budget, allowing MxV to expedite its operations and meet the growing demands of the rail safety industry.
A comprehensive and hands-on training environment
At the heart of the Operations and Training Center is MxV Rail’s Security and Emergency Response Training Center (SERTC). This unique program combines classroom seminars with hands-on training, offering participants the opportunity to respond to realistic, full-scale hazardous material (hazmat) scenarios. The training is open to first responders, chemical companies, and government agencies from around the world who share a commitment to public safety.
The facility houses four instructional classrooms equipped with 11-foot interactive displays that support immersive learning experiences. These classrooms are adjacent to a high-bay training area, where participants gain hands-on experience using actual rail components. In this space, they can interact with valves, hatches, and other equipment they might encounter in real-world emergencies. This level of practical training is invaluable, preparing participants to respond effectively to hazmat incidents.
Purpose-built for research and collaboration
Beyond training, the Operations and Training Center supports MxV Rail’s mission of advancing rail safety through research and testing. The facility includes specialized laboratories designed to meet the rigorous standards of the Association of American Railroads. Each lab features high visibility, showcasing ongoing research and reinforcing the importance of transparency and safety in rail operations.
The center also includes offices for MxV staff and customers, strategically located to facilitate regular interactions. By providing dedicated workspaces and meeting areas, the facility encourages collaboration between MxV personnel and their clients, allowing for on-site testing and real-time feedback. The adjacent rail spur further enhances these spaces, enabling customers to test equipment and conduct demonstrations in a controlled environment.
Supporting a safe and efficient future for rail
The MxV Rail Operations and Training Center is more than just a facility—it’s a vital resource for the rail industry, designed to support a wide range of needs from emergency response training to cutting-edge research. The building’s flexible design allows MxV Rail to continue to expand its services and adapt to the future demands of the industry.
Phase two of the project, scheduled for completion in 2026, will expand MxV Rail’s capabilities even further. This phase includes additional spaces such as an operations control center, craft workshop, storage areas, and new office spaces for customers. These expansions will strengthen MxV Rail’s ability to conduct comprehensive training and research, reinforcing its position as a leader in rail safety.
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