VLS New Johnsonville Team Achieves 18 Years Injury-Free

In the demanding world of industrial services, safety isn't just a priority; it's the foundation of operational excellence. VLS Environmental Solutions is proud to announce a monumental achievement: our mini-shop team at the Chemours facility in New Johnsonville, TN, has received an award for 18 years of injury-free performance. This milestone is a powerful testament to our team's discipline, our unwavering safety culture, and the trust our clients place in us every day.

This accomplishment stands out with particular significance. While the host plant has recorded 54 injuries this year, the VLS team operating within the same environment has maintained a perfect safety record. This contrast highlights the profound impact of a deeply embedded, behavior-based safety program and a team that lives and breathes its principles. It shows that with the right systems, training, and mindset, a zero-injury workplace is not just a goal—it's an achievable reality.

The Power of the VLS Mini-Shop Model
To appreciate this achievement, it’s important to understand what a VLS mini-shop for Rail is. These on-site operations are flexible, customized extensions of our clients' teams, providing specialized railcar cleaning and repair services directly at their facilities. Instead of sending railcars off-site, which adds logistical complexity and downtime, the mini-shop model brings VLS expertise to the customer's doorstep.

Our New Johnsonville team operates seamlessly within our customer's facility, handling essential maintenance that keeps their rail fleet moving efficiently and safely. This model is built on a partnership, integrating VLS personnel into the plant’s daily workflow while maintaining our own rigorous standards for safety and quality. The result is a highly efficient, responsive, and secure service that minimizes disruption and maximizes asset availability for our clients.

Eighteen Years of Safety: How We Did It
Achieving nearly two decades without a single recordable injury is no accident. It is the direct result of a systematic and people-centric approach to safety that is woven into every task, every shift, and every team member's mindset.

Disciplined Procedures and Continuous Training:
At VLS, every procedure is documented, tested, and refined to eliminate hazards. From initial inspection to final sign-off, our teams follow standardized processes that leave no room for error. This is supported by continuous, hands-on training that goes beyond compliance. We empower our employees with the knowledge to identify potential risks and the authority to stop work if conditions are unsafe. This culture of proactive awareness is the first line of defense against incidents.

"This award isn't about numbers; it’s about people. It represents 18 years of our team members looking out for one another and making the right choices, even when no one is watching. I am incredibly proud of their dedication and the culture of ownership they have built here in New Johnsonville."
— Josh Johnson, Field Location Manager | Railcar Cleaning and Repair

A Behavior-Based Safety Culture:
Our safety philosophy centers on behavior. We foster an environment where every individual feels responsible not only for their own safety but for that of their colleagues. Through regular observations, feedback, and open communication, we reinforce safe habits and correct at-risk behaviors before they can lead to an incident. This peer-to-peer accountability transforms safety from a set of rules into a shared value. The team’s success at the New Johnsonville site is a perfect example of this principle in action.

What This Milestone Means for Our Customers
An 18-year injury-free record is more than an internal accomplishment; it delivers direct and tangible benefits to our partners. For customers, it translates into reliability and peace of mind.

Operational Reliability and Reduced Downtime:
A safe operation is a smooth operation. Our zero-injury record is a key indicator of our overall operational discipline. Fewer incidents mean no unexpected work stoppages, ensuring that railcar maintenance schedules are met consistently. This reliability helps customers optimize their supply chain, reduce asset downtime, and keeps their products moving without costly delays.

Compliance and Risk Mitigation:
Partnering with a provider that demonstrates such a strong safety record helps clients strengthen their own risk management profiles. When VLS is on-site, you can be confident that all work is performed to the highest safety and environmental standards, ensuring full compliance with industry regulations. You are not just hiring a service; you are integrating a partner dedicated to protecting your people, your assets, and your reputation.

"Our customers trust us with critical assets, and this 18-year safety record is the ultimate proof of our commitment to earning that trust. It shows that operational excellence and world-class safety go hand-in-hand. When a client chooses VLS, they are choosing a partner that delivers consistent, reliable, and, above all, safe results."
— Bryant Tenorio, Senior Director of Sales & Marketing | Railcar Cleaning and Repair

A Blueprint for Excellence
The success of our New Johnsonville mini-shop is a model for what is possible with a deep commitment to safety and a talented, dedicated team. It proves that even in complex industrial environments, a zero-injury culture is attainable. We extend our deepest gratitude to our team for their hard work and unwavering focus. Their achievement sets the standard for our entire organization and the industry.

Are you looking to enhance the safety, efficiency, and reliability of your railcar operations? Discover how a VLS on-site mini-shops can bring our award-winning culture of excellence to your facility.

Contact us today to learn more about our on-site solutions for railcar cleaning and repair.