UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM 8-K

 

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of

the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

 

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): July 17, 2017

 

FREIGHTCAR AMERICA, INC.

 

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

Delaware 000-51237 25-1837219
(State or other (Commission File Number) (IRS Employer
jurisdiction of   Identification
incorporation)   Number)
     
     
Two North Riverside Plaza, Suite 1300    
Chicago, Illinois   60606
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)

 

 

(800) 458-2235

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

N/A

(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)

 

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

 

☐  Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

 

☐  Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

 

☐  Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

 

☐  Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter).

 

Emerging growth company ☐

 

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐

 

 

 

Section 5 – Corporate Governance and Management

 

Item 5.02 Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers.

 

On July 18, 2017, FreightCar America, Inc. (the “Company”) announced that, on July 17, 2017, it appointed James R. Meyer as its President and Chief Executive Officer effective July 31, 2017 (the “Effective Date”). Mr. Meyer will succeed Joseph E. McNeely, who will leave the Company by mutual consent to pursue new opportunities effective July 31, 2017 (the “Departure Date”). Mr. McNeely also stepped down from the Board of Directors (the “Board”) of the Company effective July 31, 2017. Also on July 17, 2017, the Board elected Mr. Meyer to the Board, effective the Effective Date, to fill the vacancy created by the departure of Mr. McNeely and to serve until the Company’s 2018 annual meeting of stockholders.

 

Mr. Meyer, 56, has nearly 30 years of experience in the heavy equipment, automotive and consumer goods industries. He joins the Company from Commercial Specialty Truck Holdings, LLC, a commercial truck manufacturer, where he has served as Chairman of the Board and has been an investor and advisor since 2015. From 2012 to 2015, he served as Chief Operating Officer of Allied Specialty Vehicles, Inc., a manufacturer of specialty vehicles for the fire and emergency, commercial and recreation segments. Prior to that, Mr. Meyer held various leadership positions at Brunswick Corporation. At different times from 2006 to 2012, he oversaw its Hatteras Yachts and Sealine International business units and its product development and supply chain functions. Mr. Meyer also spent 16 years at Ford Motor Company where he held various executive positions.

 

In connection with Mr. Meyer’s appointment, the Company and Mr. Meyer entered into a letter agreement regarding Terms of Employment (the “Employment Agreement”) dated July 17, 2017 and effective the Effective Date. A description of the material terms of the Employment Agreement is set forth below, which description is qualified in its entirety by reference to the Employment Agreement attached hereto as Exhibit 10.1.

 

(1)               Term: Mr. Meyer’s employment with the Company is not for a specified term and there is no specified term for the Employment Agreement.

 

(2)               Base Salary: The Company will pay Mr. Meyer an initial base salary of $500,000 per year, which is subject to annual review by the Company.

 

(3)              Bonus: Mr. Meyer will be entitled to participate in the Company’s annual cash incentive plan applicable to all similarly situated senior executives (the “Bonus Plan”) and to earn a bonus (“Bonus”) for each fiscal year of the Company ending during his employment. His target Bonus is 100% of his base salary, upon achievement of a target level of performance set forth in the Bonus Plan, and is payable within 2.5 months after the end of the relevant fiscal year. Mr. Meyer’s maximum bonus, to the extent earned under the Bonus Plan, may be as much as 200% of his base salary. If there are Bonus payments made under the Bonus Plan in respect of the 2017 calendar year or any other partial year, then Mr. Meyer will be entitled to participate in a partial Bonus payment prorated to align with his base salary earnings (as earned in each measurement period) and actual performance during his employment.

 

(4)               Long-Term Incentive and Other Executive Compensation Plans: Mr. Meyer will be entitled to participate in all of the Company’s equity-based and cash-based long-term incentive and other executive compensation plans. He will receive a long-term incentive plan award on an annual basis with a fair value equal to 100% of his base salary, payable 50% in performance shares (with fair value based on the assumption that the target performance goals will be met) and 50% in restricted shares, and all awards granted will have performance goals and vesting conditions similar to those of other executive officers of the Company.

 

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(5)               Sign-On Award: On the Effective Date, Mr. Meyer will be granted options in respect of 350,000 shares of the Company’s common stock. The award will feature a performance earning schedule based on a trailing 90-consecutive calendar day average closing price of one share of the Company’s common stock (the “Stock Price”), which shall be earned in the proportions as set forth below:

 

(a)                the first 34% of the options upon the first time the Stock Price is equal to or greater than $5.00 per share above the Initial Stock Price (as defined below);

 

(b)               another 33% of the options upon the first time the Stock Price is equal to or greater than $10.00 per share above the Initial Stock Price; and

 

(c)                the final 33% of the options upon the first time the Stock Price is equal to or greater than $15.00 per share above the Initial Stock Price.

 

The options will be treated as being fully earned upon a Change of Control (as defined in the Company’s Executive Severance Plan). Mr. Meyer will become fully vested in the options on the date that he is treated as earning the options, provided that he has remained in continuous employment with the Company. The “Initial Stock Price” shall be the closing price of one share of the Company’s common stock on the Effective Date. The exercise price of the options shall be the Fair Market Value (as defined in the FreightCar America, Inc. 2005 Long Term Incentive Plan) of the shares of the Company’s common stock for which the options are exercised.

 

(6)               Other Amounts: Mr. Meyer will be entitled to participate in each of the Company’s employee retirement, savings, welfare and fringe benefit plans, and perquisites, offered to similarly situated senior executives. He will be entitled to paid annual vacation on a basis that is at least as favorable as that provided to other similarly situated executives, but not less than four weeks per year. On a special exception basis, as of the Effective Date, the Company will provide Mr. Meyer with 14 paid vacation days during the remainder of 2017. Mr. Meyer will be reimbursed for all business (including entertainment) expenses incurred by him in connection with his duties.

 

(7)               Termination Payments: Mr. Meyer’s employment may be terminated by the Company or Mr. Meyer upon notice to the other party. Pursuant to the Employment Agreement, upon a termination of Mr. Meyer’s employment for any reason, he will be entitled to (i) accrued base salary and accrued and unused vacation through the date of termination, (ii) his prior and pro rated then current fiscal year bonuses, to the extent earned and unpaid, and (iii) any accrued and vested benefits and unreimbursed expenses incurred and unpaid on the date of termination. In addition, Mr. Meyer will be a participant in and be entitled to benefits under the Company’s Executive Severance Plan, which, together with the Employment Agreement, sets forth Mr. Meyer’s benefits upon a termination of employment or a change of control. Upon an involuntary termination without Cause or resignation for Good Reason (each as defined in the Employment Agreement), Mr. Meyer will be entitled to (1) continuation of base salary and certain health benefits for a period of (a) 24 months in the event that he resigns for Good Reason or a termination without Cause occurs within 24 months following a Change of Control (as defined in the Executive Severance Plan) or (b) 12 months following any other involuntary termination without Cause and (2)(a) in the event that he resigns for Good Reason or a termination without Cause occurs within 24 months following a Change of Control, an amount equal to two times the average of the annual bonuses paid to him for the last two full years payable in two equal installments on the first March 15 and the second March 15 following the year of termination or (b) in the case of any other involuntary termination without Cause, an amount equal to the average of the annual bonuses paid to him for the last two full years payable on the first March 15 following the year of termination.

 

(8)               Restrictive Covenants: Mr. Meyer has agreed to keep confidential certain information and agreed to certain non-solicitation, non-competition and non-disparagement restrictions that apply for one year following termination of employment.

 

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Mr. Meyer has signed a letter agreement to tender his resignation from the Board in the event that: (i) a majority of the votes of the shares in an uncontested election are designated to be “withheld” from, or are voted “against,” his election and the Board accepts his resignation following such election; or (ii) he experiences a change in principal employment status, other than retirement, and the Board accepts his resignation following such change in status.

 

In connection with Mr. McNeely’s departure from the Company, the Company and Mr. McNeely entered into a Separation Agreement and General Release dated July 17, 2017 (the “Separation Agreement”) pursuant to which the Company has agreed to provide to Mr. McNeely certain severance benefits in consideration for Mr. McNeely’s release of certain claims against the Company and his compliance with the other terms of the Separation Agreement. Pursuant to the Separation Agreement and subject to its terms and conditions, the Company will provide to Mr. McNeely: (a) a lump sum payment equal to the sum of (i) Mr. McNeely’s earned but unpaid base salary through the Departure Date, (ii) any accrued but unpaid vacation and (iii) any unreimbursed business expenses incurred by Mr. McNeely on the Company’s behalf prior to the Departure Date; (b) a lump sum payment equal to the sum of 12 months’ of Mr. McNeely’s base salary in the total amount of $400,000; (c) a lump sum payment equal to the average annual bonus paid to Mr. McNeely for the last full two years prior to the Departure Date in the total amount of $278,480; (d) a lump sum payment of $300,000; and (e) continuation of certain health benefits for Mr. McNeely and his family members for a period of 12 months. The foregoing description of the Separation Agreement does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the Separation Agreement attached hereto as Exhibit 10.2.

 

Section 9 – Financial Statements and Exhibits

 

Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits.

 

  (d) Exhibits  
     
  Exhibit 10.1 Letter agreement regarding Terms of Employment dated July 17, 2017 by and between FreightCar America, Inc. and James R. Meyer
     
  Exhibit 10.2 Separation Agreement and General Release dated July 17, 2017 by and between Joseph E. McNeely and FreightCar America, Inc.
     
  Exhibit 99.1 Press release of FreightCar America, Inc. dated July 18, 2017

 

 

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SIGNATURES

 

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

 

 

    FreightCar America, Inc.
     
     
Date: July 19, 2017 By:     /s/ Georgia L. Vlamis
      Name:    Georgia L. Vlamis
      Title:  Vice President, General Counsel,
Corporate Secretary and Human Resources

 

 

 

 

 

 

5
 

 

EXHIBIT INDEX

 

 

 

Exhibit Number Description
   
Exhibit 10.1 Letter agreement regarding Terms of Employment dated July 17, 2017 by and between FreightCar America, Inc. and James R. Meyer
   
Exhibit 10.2 Separation Agreement and General Release dated July 17, 2017 by and between Joseph E. McNeely and FreightCar America, Inc.
   
Exhibit 99.1 Press release of FreightCar America, Inc. dated July 18, 2017
     

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6

 

Exhibit 10.1

 

 

 

July 17, 2017

James R. Meyer

3019 River Lane

New Bern, North Carolina 28562

 

Re:      Terms of Employment

 

Dear Jim:

 

This letter agreement (“ Letter ”) sets forth the terms of your employment with FreightCar America, Inc. (the “ Company ”). Commencing July 31, 2017 (the “ Effective Date ”), you will be employed as the Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer, and reporting to the Company’s Board of Directors. You will have all of the duties and responsibilities commensurate with such position under the Company’s by-laws and consistent with the duties and responsibilities of chief executive officers of similar businesses as the Company. During your employment, you will devote your full-time business attention to the Company and will use your best efforts to discharge your responsibilities. You may, however, engage in civic and charitable activities and, with the prior consent of the Company’s Board of Directors, corporate boards, provided that these activities do not interfere with your duties to the Company (the Company has already approved your continuation as a member of the CSTH, LLC Board of Directors).

 

In order to begin employment with the Company, you must successfully complete all required employment documentation, a post-offer drug screening, background check and reference checks. This Letter and your employment is for no specific term. Your employment with the Company will be “at will,” meaning that either you or the Company may terminate your employment at any time and for any reason, with or without Cause (as defined below), subject to the terms of this Letter below, by the Company or you upon notice to the other such party. Although your job duties, title, compensation and benefits, as well as the Company’s personnel policies and procedures, may change from time to time, the “at will” nature of your employment may only be changed in an express written agreement signed by the Company’s Board of Directors (or a designee of the Company’s Board of Directors).

 

Two North Riverside Plaza

Suite 1300

Chicago, IL 60606 USA

312.928.0850

Fax 312.928.0890

www.freightcaramerica.com

 

 

 

 

1.                   Salary . Beginning on the Effective Date, you will receive an annual base salary in the amount of $500,000 (“ Salary ”), paid in accordance with payroll practices applicable to all salaried employees. Based on your performance, your Salary will be reviewed by the Company annually and may be increased (and not decreased without your written consent) in the Company’s discretion.

 

2.                   Bonus . You will be entitled to participate in the Company’s annual cash incentive plan applicable to all similarly situated executives (the “ Bonus Plan ”) and to earn a bonus (“ Bonus ”) for each fiscal year of the Company ending during your employment. The measurement period for the Bonus is based on a calendar year. Your target Bonus is 100% of your Salary, upon achievement of a target level of performance set forth in the Bonus Plan, payable in cash, within two and one-half months after the end of the fiscal year to which it relates. Your maximum Bonus, to the extent earned under the Bonus Plan, may be as much as 200% of your Salary. If there are Bonus payments under the Bonus Plan in respect of the 2017 calendar year or any other partial year, then you will be entitled to participate in a partial Bonus payment prorated to align with your base salary earnings (as earned in each measurement period) and actual performance during your employment.

 

3.                   Long-Term Incentive and Other Executive Compensation Plans (“LTIP”) . You will be entitled to participate in all of the Company’s equity-based and cash-based long-term incentive and other executive compensation plans. You will receive a LTIP award on an annual basis with a fair value equal to 100% of Salary, payable 50% in performance shares (with fair value based on the assumption that the target performance goals will be met) and 50% in restricted shares and all awards granted will have performance goals and vesting conditions similar to those of other Company executive officers. The performance share and restricted share makeup of the award along with vesting schedules may be modified from time to time and at the sole discretion of the Compensation Committee of the Company's Board of Directors or the Company's Board of Directors.

 

4.                   Sign-On Award . You will be granted an equity award on the Effective Date, of 350,000 stock options (the “ Options ”), under the FreightCar America, Inc. 2005 Long Term Incentive Plan, as amended and restated May 17, 2013 (the “ Plan ”) having such terms and conditions as are set forth in the option award agreement attached to this Letter as Exhibit A and with the terms of such award, including as incorporated under the Plan, superseding the terms and conditions in this Section 4. The award will feature a performance earning schedule based on a trailing 90-consecutive calendar day average closing price of one share of the Company’s common stock (the “ Stock Price ”), which shall be earned in the proportions as set forth below:

 

(a)                 You will earn 34% of the Options upon the first time the Stock Price is equal to or greater than $5.00 per share above the Initial Stock Price (as defined below),

 

(b)                You will earn 33% of the Options upon the first time the Stock Price is equal to or greater than $10.00 per share above the Initial Stock Price, and

 

(c)                 You will earn 33% of the Options upon the first time the Stock Price is equal to or greater than $15.00 per share above the Initial Stock Price.

 

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The Options shall be treated as being fully earned upon a Change of Control (as defined by the Plan). You will become fully vested in the Options provided that on the date you are treated as earning the Options, you have remained in continuous employment with the Company. The “ Initial Stock Price ” shall be the closing price of one share of the Company’s common stock determined on the Effective Date. The exercise price of the options shall be for Fair Market Value (as defined in the Plan).

 

5.                   Board Position . You shall be elected by the Company’s Board of Directors to fill a vacancy on the Company’ Board of Directors, and your service will begin on the Effective Date until the 2018 annual meeting of the stockholders of the Company. At the 2018 annual meeting of the stockholders of the Company, the Company’s Board of Directors, subject to the Company’s Board of Director’s standard nominating procedures, will nominate you as a director and, if you are so elected by the Company’s stockholders, you will continue to serve as a director of the Company.

 

6.                   Benefits; Business Expenses . During your employment, you will be entitled to participate in each of the Company’s employee retirement, savings, welfare and fringe benefit plans, and perquisites, offered to its similarly situated executives, as in effect from time to time. You will be entitled to paid annual vacation on a basis that is at least as favorable as that provided to other similarly situated executives of the Company, but not less than four (4) weeks per year, earned in accordance with applicable Company policy. On a special exception basis, as of your start date the Company will provide you with fourteen (14) paid vacation days for your use during the remainder of 2017 (which days will be forfeited to the extent you have not used them by December 31, 2017). You will be reimbursed for all business, including entertainment, expenses incurred by you in connection with your duties, subject to the Company’s policy for substantiating such expenses.

 

7.                   Termination . Upon a termination of your employment for any reason, you will be entitled to lump sum payments, within sixty (60) days following termination, of (i) your accrued Salary and accrued and unused vacation through the date of termination, (ii) your prior and current (prorated) fiscal year bonus, to the extent earned and unpaid, and (iii) any accrued and vested benefits and unreimbursed expenses incurred and unpaid on the date of termination in accordance with Section 6. Upon your written acknowledgement and acceptance of the terms and conditions of the FreightCar America, Inc. Executive Severance Plan (the “ Executive Severance Plan ”), you will participate in and be entitled to benefits under the Executive Severance Plan as then in effect (but no less than currently in effect), except in the following respects:

 

(a)                 In the event of (i) your termination by the Company or its successor without Cause within 24 months following the consummation of a “ Change in Control ” (as defined in the Executive Severance Plan) or (ii) your resignation for “ Good Reason ” (as defined below), modifications will apply as follows:

 

Under Article 3.3(b), your base salary will continue for 24 months following the date of termination;

 

You will receive two equal bonus payments to be made based on the calculation as described in Article 3.3(c), with the first payment being made on the first March 15 following the year of termination and the second payment being made on the second March 15 following the year of termination; and

 

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Under Article 3.3(d), participation in the Company’s group health plan will continue for twenty-four (24) months.

 

A copy of the Executive Severance Plan as currently in effect is attached as Exhibit B to this Letter. The release and waiver of claims referenced in Articles 3.1 and 3.3 of the Executive Severance Plan shall preserve Executive’s entitlement to his retirement and savings benefits and rights to indemnification and defense in accordance with the Company’s by-laws, statutory and common law rights, and insurance policies.

 

(b)                With respect to the definition of “ Good Reason ” both parties hereto agree that such term shall be defined as provided in the Executive Severance Plan, except that:

 

Article 2.16(b)(i)-(iii) are hereby deleted and replaced with the following: “(i) permanently and materially diminishes the Executive’s authority, duties, or responsibilities, including without limitation, title or reporting responsibilities (to and from Executive), (ii) materially reduces any component of the Executive’s compensation, including Base Salary, Bonus opportunity, and equity award participation, (iii) requires the Executive to relocate to a location that is more than 50 miles from (1) the Company’s principal business office located in the Chicago, Illinois metropolitan area or (2) the Company’s facility located in the greater Cherokee, Alabama area, or”

 

(c)                 With respect to the definition of “ Cause ” both parties hereto agree that such term shall be defined as provided in the Executive Severance Plan, except that:

 

Article 2.5(e) is hereby deleted and replaced with the following: “(e) Any willful act or omission by the Executive in violation or disregard of the Company’s policies, including but not limited to the harassment and discrimination policies and standards of conduct of the Company then in effect, in such a manner as to cause significant loss, damage or injury to the property, reputation or employees of the Company.”

 

This modified definitions of Cause and Good Reason shall apply with respect to any and all compensation agreements or arrangements between yourself and the Company that reference or rely on the definition provided in the Executive Severance Plan and/or this Letter.

 

8.                   Restrictive Covenants .

 

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(a)                 Confidential Information . You understand that the Company possesses and will possess Confidential Information that is important to its business. The Company devotes significant financial, human and other resources to the development of its products, its customer base and the general goodwill associated with its business and the Company diligently maintains the secrecy and confidentiality of its Confidential Information. For this purpose, “ Confidential Information ” is information that was or will be developed, created, or discovered by or on behalf of the Company, or that became or will become known by, or was or is conveyed to the Company, which has commercial value in the Company’s business, unless and until such information becomes publicly available, provided that you did not make the information publicly available by acting on your own behalf. Confidential Information is sufficiently secret to derive economic value from its not being generally known to other persons. Confidential Information also includes any and all financial, technical, commercial or other information concerning the business and affairs of the Company that is confidential and proprietary to the Company, including without limitation, (i) information relating to the Company’s past and existing customers and vendors and development of prospective customers and vendors, including without limitation specific customer product requirements, pricing arrangements, payment terms, customer lists and other similar information; (ii) inventions, designs, methods, discoveries, works of authorship, creations, improvements or ideas developed or otherwise produced, acquired or used by the Company; (iii) the Company’s proprietary programs, processes or software, consisting of but not limited to, computer programs in source or object code and all related documentation and training materials, including all upgrades, updates, improvements, derivatives and modifications thereof and including programs and documentation in incomplete stages of design or research and development; (iv) the subject matter of the Company’s patents, design patents, copyrights, trade secrets, trademarks, service marks, trade names, trade dress, manuals, operating instructions, training materials, and other industrial property, including such information in incomplete stages of design or research and development; and (v) other confidential and proprietary information or documents relating to the Company’s products, business and marketing plans and techniques, sales and distribution networks and any other information or documents which the Company reasonably regards as being confidential. You understand that the Company possesses or will possess Company Materials (as defined below) that are important to its business. For this purpose, “ Company Materials ” are documents or other media, in their electronic or tangible form, or items that contain or embody Confidential Information or any other information, regardless of form, concerning the business, operations or future/strategic plans of the Company, whether such documents have been prepared by you or by others. In consideration of your employment by the Company, the compensation received by you from the Company, and the Company’s agreement to give you access to certain Confidential Information, you agree as follows:

 

(i)                  All Confidential Information and trade secret rights, and other intellectual property and rights (collectively “ Rights ”) in connection therewith will be the sole property of the Company. At all times, both during your employment by the Company and after its termination for any reason, you will keep in confidence and trust and will not use or disclose any Confidential Information or anything relating to it without the prior written consent of a then current officer of the Company except as may be necessary and appropriate in the ordinary course of performing your duties to the Company.

 

(ii)                All Company Materials will be the sole property of the Company. You agree that during your employment by the Company, you will not remove any Company Materials from the business premises of the Company or deliver any Company Materials to any person or entity outside the Company, except as you are required to do so in connection with performing the duties of your employment. You further agree that, immediately upon the termination of your employment by you or by the Company for any reason, or during your employment if so requested by the Company, you will return all Company Materials, apparatus, equipment and other physical property, or any reproduction of such property.

 

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Notwithstanding anything else contained or referenced herein, nothing in this Letter shall limit or impede your right (with or without prior notice to the Company) to (i) raise in good faith or participate in an investigation regarding any potential violation of law or regulation with any governmental or regulatory agency, including the Securities and Exchange Commission, or (ii) make any disclosure protected by law under the whistleblower provisions of any state or federal statutes or regulations. However, any disclosure of Confidential Information made to any governmental or regulatory agency will be limited to Confidential Information that is reasonably related to the alleged violation and/or specifically requested by the investigating agency. You will make any such disclosure(s) only to such parties authorized to investigate the potential violation.

 

(b)                Noncompetition and Non-solicitation . While employed by the Company and for a period of twelve (12) consecutive months thereafter, you will not, directly or indirectly:

 

(i)                  Contact, solicit, interfere with, or divert, or induce or attempt to contact, solicit, interfere with or divert, any of the Company’s customers;

 

(ii)                Participate or engage in (as an owner, partner, employee, officer, director, independent contractor, consultant, advisor or in any other capacity calling for the rendition of services, advice, or acts of management, operation or control) any business engaged in the manufacture of railcars in North America; and

 

(iii)              Solicit or induce or attempt to solicit or induce, by or for yourself, or as the agent of another, or through others as an agent in any way, any person who is employed by the Company for the purpose of encouraging that employee to join you as a partner, agent, employee or otherwise in any business activity which is competitive with the Company.

 

(c)                 Forfeitures . In the event that you materially breach any of the restrictions in this Section 8 (which if such breach is curable, such breach is not cured to the Company’s reasonable satisfaction after the Company provides you a reasonable period of time to cure) you shall forfeit all of the applicable payments and benefits, described in Sections 2, 3 and 4 of this Letter, and the Company shall have the right to recapture and seek repayment of any such applicable payments and benefits under this Letter.

 

(d)                Intellectual Property . “ Inventions ” includes all improvements, inventions, designs, formulas, works of authorship, trade secrets, technology, computer programs, compositions, ideas, processes, techniques, know-how and data, whether or not patentable, made or conceived or reduced to practice or developed by you, either alone or jointly with others, during the term of your employment, including during any period prior to the date of this Letter. Except as defined in this Letter, all Inventions that you make, conceive, reduce to practice or develop (in whole or in part, either alone or jointly with others) during your employment will be the sole property of the Company to the maximum extent permitted by law. You agree to assign such Inventions and all Rights in them to the Company. Exemptions from this agreement to assign may be authorized in those circumstances where the mission of the Company is better served by such action, provided that overriding obligations to other parties are met and such exemptions are not inconsistent with other Company policies. Further, you may petition the Company for license to make, market or sell a particular Invention.

 

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(e)                 Injunction . You acknowledge that monetary damages will not be an adequate remedy for the Company in the event of a breach of this Section 8, and that it would be impossible for the Company to measure damages in the event of such a breach. Therefore, you agree that, in addition to other rights and remedies that the Company may have, the Company is entitled to an injunction preventing you from any breach of this Section 8, and you hereby waive any requirement that the Company post any bond in connection with any such injunction. You further agree that injunctive relief is reasonable and necessary to protect a legitimate, protectable interest of the Company.

 

(f)                 Blue Pencil . If any court determines that the covenants contained in this Section 8, or any part hereof, are unenforceable because of the duration or geographic scope of such provision, such court shall have the power to reduce the duration or scope of such provision, as the case may be, to as close to the terms hereof as shall be enforceable and, in its reduced form, such provision shall then be enforceable.

 

(g)                Survival . The restrictive covenants contained in this Section 8 shall survive the termination of your employment.

 

9.                   Section 409A . Anything in this Letter to the contrary notwithstanding, if any payment(s) or benefit(s) under this Letter would be subject to the provisions of Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (the “ Code ”) at the time they become payable or benefits due you, to the extent required to comply with Section 409A of the Code any such payments or benefits will be delayed for six (6) months or such other earliest day on which such payments could be made or benefits provided in compliance with Section 409A of the Code and the regulations thereunder (at which point all payments so delayed will be provided or reimbursed to you in one lump sum, without interest, within two and one-half months after the date they then become so payable or due to you).

 

10.               Miscellaneous .

 

(a)                 Entire Agreement . Except as otherwise contemplated herein, this Letter (including Exhibits A and B ) contains the entire agreement between you and the Company with respect to the subject matter hereof. No amendment, modification or termination of this Letter may be made orally, but must be made in writing and signed by you and the Company. Unless otherwise provided herein, in the event of any inconsistency between this Letter (including Exhibits A and B ) and any plan, program, practice, personnel policy or procedure, employee handbook, or agreement of or with the Company and you, this Letter (including Exhibits A and B ) shall control.

 

(b)                Survival . The provisions of Section 8 shall survive any termination of your employment.

 

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(c)                 Successors; Assignment . Neither party hereto may assign any rights or delegate any duties under this Letter without the prior written consent of the other party; provided, however, that (a) this Letter will inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the successors and assigns of the Company upon any sale of all or substantially all of the Company’s stock and/or assets, or upon any merger, consolidation or reorganization of the Company with or into any other corporation, all as though such successors and assigns of the Company and their respective successors and assigns were the Company; and (b) this Letter will inure to the benefit of and be binding upon your heirs, assigns or designees to the extent of any payments due to you or them hereunder.

 

(d)                Governing Law . This Letter will be governed by and construed in accordance with the law of the State of Illinois, and not its choice of law rules, applicable to contracts made and to be performed entirely within that State.

 

(e)                 No Set-off or Mitigation . Your rights to payments under this Letter will not be affected by any set-off, counterclaim, recoupment or other right the Company may have against you or anyone else. You do not need to seek other employment or take any other action to mitigate any amounts owed to you under this Letter, and those amounts will not be reduced if you do obtain other employment.

 

(f)                 Notices . All notices, requests, demands and other communications under this Letter must be in writing and will be deemed given (i) when hand- delivered, (ii) on the first business day after the business day sent from within the United States, if delivered by a nationally recognized overnight courier or (iii) on the third business day after the business day sent if delivered by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, in each case to the following address (or to such other address as may be specified by notice that conforms to this Section 10(f)):

 

If to the Company, to:

FreightCar America, Inc.

Two North Riverside Plaza

Suite 1300

Chicago, Illinois 60606 Attention: Secretary

 

If to you, to your last address shown on the payroll records of the Company.

 

11.               Counterparts . This Letter may be executed in counterparts, each of which will constitute an original and all of which, taken together, will constitute one and the same instrument.

 

12.               Relocation . Following a reasonable period of time, you will recommend a relocation plan to the Company’s Board of Directors for consideration and approval. Until that time, your expenses for business travel, including reasonable travel to and from your current home, will be reimbursed by the Company, subject to the Company’s policy for substantiating such expenses.

 

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Very truly yours,

FreightCar America, Inc.

 

By:  /s/ Georgia L. Vlamis  
Vice President, General Counsel, Corporate
Secretary and Human Resources
   
Accepted and agreed:  
   
/s/ James R. Meyer  
James R. Meyer  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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EXHIBIT A

 

OPTION AWARD AGREEMENT

 

(See following pages.)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A- 1
 

 

EXHIBIT B

 

EXECUTIVE SEVERANCE PLAN

 

(See following pages.)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

B-1

 

Exhibit 10.2

 

 

SEPARATION AGREEMENT AND GENERAL RELEASE

 

This Separation Agreement and General Release (this “Agreement”) is hereby made and entered into as of July 17, 2017 by and between Joseph E. McNeely (“EXECUTIVE”) and FreightCar America, Inc., along with any parents, subsidiaries, divisions, affiliates, related companies, employee benefit plans, fiduciaries, predecessors and successors (collectively, the “COMPANY”).

 

WHEREAS, EXECUTIVE’S employment at COMPANY will be terminated; and

 

WHEREAS, EXECUTIVE is a party to Offer Letter Agreement dated October 13, 2013, and is an eligible Executive under that certain FreightCar America, Inc. Executive Severance Plan (as amended and restated as of December 1, 2016, the “Executive Severance Plan,” with capitalized terms used but not defined in this Agreement to have the respective meanings assigned to them in the Executive Severance Plan); and

 

WHEREAS, EXECUTIVE and COMPANY desire to set forth the terms and conditions relating to EXECUTIVE’s separation from COMPANY, in accordance with and subject to the Executive Severance Plan and as otherwise agreed to.

 

NOW THEREFORE, the parties, intending to be legally bound, and in consideration of the mutual promises and undertakings set forth herein, do hereby agree as follows:

 

1.       Last Date of Employment . EXECUTIVE’s employment at COMPANY will terminate effective July 31, 2017 or such earlier dates as determined by COMPANY (the “Departure Date”), in which case EXECUTIVE will be paid salary through July 31, 2017. Subject to Paragraph 5 of this Agreement, EXECUTIVE acknowledges that as of the Departure Date, his participation in all of COMPANY’s compensation and benefit plans, except any award previously granted and vested under the FreightCar America, Inc. 2005 Long Term Incentive Plan (“LTIP Award”), will cease in accordance with the terms of any applicable plans, and COMPANY has no obligation to reinstate, rehire, reemploy, recall or hire him at any time in the future. For the avoidance of doubt, EXECUTIVE acknowledges and agrees that any forfeiture or cancelation provisions regarding any LTIP Award are preserved and effective as of and following the Departure Date, including, but not limited to the following: (i) any restricted share awards and performance share awards, not vested as of the Departure Date, are forfeited and (ii) any vested, but unexercised options, will terminate upon the earlier of (A) ninety (90) days following the Departure Date or (B) the end of the option period contained in each award (the “LTIP Award Clarification”).

 

2.                   No Other Representations . EXECUTIVE represents and warrants that no promise has been made except as set forth in this Agreement and that he is entering into this Agreement without reliance on any statement or representation not set forth within this Agreement by any party hereto, or any person(s) acting on COMPANY’s behalf.

 

3.                   Non-Assignment of Rights . EXECUTIVE represents and warrants that he has not assigned to any third party, by operation of law or otherwise, any cause of action, obligation, or demand of any nature whatsoever relating to any matter covered in this Agreement.

 

 

 

 

4.                   Non-Admission of Liability by COMPANY . EXECUTIVE understands and agrees that this Agreement shall not be deemed or construed as an admission of liability by COMPANY for any purpose. EXECUTIVE further agrees that nothing contained in this Agreement can be used by EXECUTIVE or any other individual in any way as precedent for future dealings with COMPANY.

 

5.                   Severance Benefits . In consideration for EXECUTIVE entering into this Agreement and fully abiding by and complying with its terms, and assuming EXECUTIVE has not revoked this Agreement as described in Paragraph 20 below, COMPANY agrees to provide EXECUTIVE with the following severance benefits in accordance with and subject to Section 3.3 of the Executive Severance Plan and as otherwise agreed to between the parties:

 

(a)        Accrued Amounts . Within sixty (60) calendar days following the Departure Date , COMPANY agrees to pay EXECUTIVE a lump sum payment, less applicable withholdings, which is equal to the sum of (i) EXECUTIVE’s earned but unpaid Base Salary through the Departure Date, (ii) any accrued but unpaid vacation, and (iii) any unreimbursed business expenses incurred by EXECUTIVE on the Company’s behalf prior to the Departure Date;

 

(b)        Salary . Upon the execution of this Agreement and the lapse of the revocation period contemplated in Paragraph 20, COMPANY agrees to pay EXECUTIVE a lump sum payment, less applicable withholdings, which is equal to the sum of 12 months’ of his Base Salary, in the total amount of Four Hundred Thousand Dollars ($400,000.00) to be paid to EXECUTIVE during such 12-month period;

 

(c)        Bonus . Upon the execution of this Agreement and the lapse of the revocation period contemplated in Paragraph 20, COMPANY agrees to pay EXECUTIVE a lump sum payment in the amount which is equal to the average annual bonus paid to EXECUTIVE for the last full two (2) years prior to the Departure Date, less applicable withholdings, calculated in accordance with Section 3.3(c) of the Executive Severance Plan, in the total amount of Two Hundred Seventy-Eight Thousand, Four Hundred Eighty Dollars ($278,480.00) and EXECUTIVE acknowledges and agrees that he is not due or owed any Bonus for which the performance measurement period has ended and the payment amount has been earned, but that is unpaid as of the Departure Date; and

 

(d)        Lump Sum . Upon the execution of this Agreement and the lapse of the revocation period contained in Paragraph 20 , COMPANY agrees to pay EXECUTIVE a lump sum payment, which is equal to Three Hundred Thousand Dollars ($300,000.00), less applicable withholdings.

 

(e)        Group Health . Upon the execution of this Agreement and the lapse of the revocation period contemplated in Paragraph 20, COMPANY agrees that EXECUTIVE will be allowed continued participation in COMPANY’s group health plan for EXECUTIVE, and such members of EXECUTIVE’s family who participated in such group health plan at the Departure Date (“COBRA Coverage”), at the same costs and coverage levels and under the same general terms and provisions of such plan as apply to active employees after the Departure Date. For a period of twelve (12) months following the Departure Date, on the first regularly scheduled payroll date of each month, subject to EXECUTIVE’s election, and continued receipt, of COBRA Coverage, COMPANY will pay EXECUTIVE an amount equal to the monthly COBRA premium cost EXECUTIVE and his eligible dependents paid as of the Departure Date. The foregoing notwithstanding, COMPANY’s obligation to pay or reimburse described in the preceding sentence shall cease on the date EXECUTIVE becomes eligible for coverage under another group health plan offered by an employer of EXECUTIVE or covered under a group health plan of the employer of EXECUTIVE’s spouse, in either case, which does not impose pre-existing condition limitations on EXECUTIVE’s coverage. The continuation period required by this section 5(e) shall be concurrent with the continued group health plan coverage required by COBRA. The cost of continued group health plan coverage for any periods beyond those specified in this section 5(e) shall be the sole responsibility of EXECUTIVE. Any payments or reimbursements for such COBRA premiums that are subject to Code Section 409A will be made in accordance with Treasury Regulation § 1.409A-3(i)(1)(iv) (or any similar or successor provisions).

 

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6.                   No Other Compensation or Benefits Owing . EXECUTIVE understands and agrees that, except for the amounts described herein (including any vested and accrued benefits described in Paragraph 5(a)), EXECUTIVE is not and will not be due any other compensation or benefits from COMPANY and that all of his rights and benefits under the Executive Severance Plan will terminate. EXECUTIVE understands, acknowledges, and agrees that these benefits provided in Paragraphs 5(d), exceed what the Employee is otherwise entitled to receive on separation from employment, and that these benefits are in exchange for executing this Agreement and the release contained herein.

 

7.                   Release by EXECUTIVE . In consideration of the payments, benefits and agreements provided for pursuant to this Agreement, the sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, EXECUTIVE, with the intention of binding himself and anyone else who may claim by or through him, does hereby forever release, discharge and covenant not to sue COMPANY (or to accept any monetary compensation or damages as a result of any charge, administrative proceeding or lawsuit brought or filed on his behalf against Company), its present, past and future subsidiaries, affiliates and related companies, and all of its or their present, past and future partners, principals, officers, directors, employees, agents, consultants, benefit plans, administrators, trustees, executors, assigns, and/or insurers (the “Releasees”), from, and with respect to, any and all claims, causes of action, suits or charges that EXECUTIVE had, has, or may have, at law or in equity, known or unknown, through the Departure Date. This general release includes, but is not limited to: (i) claims of breach of contract, wrongful or retaliatory discharge, personal or business injury, and violation of public policy; (ii) claims arising under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 (“ADEA”), as amended by the Older Workers Benefit Protection Act of 1990, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1991, as amended, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, the Family and Medical Leave Act, as amended, with respect to existing but not prospective claims, the Fair Labor Standards Act, the Equal Pay Act, as amended, the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008, the Illinois Human Rights Act, the Right to Privacy in the Workplace Act, the Illinois Health and Safety Act, the Illinois Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act, the Illinois One Day Rest in Seven Act, the Illinois Union Employee Health and Benefits Protection Act, the Illinois Employment Contract Act, the Illinois Labor Dispute Act, the Victims’ Economic Security and Safety Act, the Illinois Whistleblower Act, the Illinois Equal Pay Act, and amendments to those laws, and all other federal, state or local statutes, ordinances or common laws; (iii) claims for wages, bonuses, benefits, incentives, severance or other compensation, except as expressly provided herein; and (iv) all rights to or claims for damages (whether contractual, liquidated, compensatory, exemplary or punitive) and for injunctive relief, expenses, costs, attorneys’ fees, and all losses or damages of whatsoever kind or nature. EXECUTIVE expressly waives the benefits of any statute or rule of law, which, if applied to this Agreement, would otherwise exclude from its binding effect any claims against COMPANY not now known by EXECUTIVE to exist. The general release and covenant not to sue in this Paragraph 7 is intended by the parties to extinguish all claims by EXECUTIVE and to preclude him from initiating any litigation against COMPANY regarding any matter, incident or event that occurred up to the Departure Date.

 

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8.                   Exclusion for Certain Claims/Waiver of Individual Recovery . EXECUTIVE and COMPANY agree that the general release in Paragraph 7 shall not apply to claims relating to the enforcement of this Agreement, challenges to the validity of EXECUTIVE’S waiver of rights pursuant to the ADEA, or claims that arise after the Departure Date. Additionally, nothing in this Agreement shall prevent or interfere with EXECUTIVE’s rights under federal, state or local civil rights laws to (i) initiate or maintain a charge of discrimination with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (“EEOC”) or other similar fair employment practice agency, or from fully cooperating with and/or participating in any investigation by the EEOC or other government agency or (ii) any right to make claims under the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act, the Illinois Workers’ Occupational Disease Act, the Employee Credit Privacy Act, the Illinois Wage Payment and Collection Act, the Illinois Unemployment Insurance Act, and any claims which cannot be waived by law. However, EXECUTIVE is waiving his right to recover any monetary compensation or damages as a result of any charge, administrative proceeding or lawsuit brought or filed on his behalf against COMPANY.

 

9.                   No Pending Claims or Lawsuits . EXECUTIVE represents and warrants that he has not filed any charges, suits, claims or complaints against any of the Releasees concerning the subject matter of this Agreement. EXECUTIVE further represents and warrants that he will not file any claims against any of the Releasees in the future with respect any matter encompassed by the release in Paragraph 7 which arose prior to the Departure Date of this Agreement, except as otherwise permitted by Paragraph 8 of this Agreement. As of the date hereof and as of the Departure Date, EXECUTIVE also represents and warrants, to the best of his knowledge, that he never suffered an on the job or occupational injury while working at COMPANY and that, other than the amounts set forth herein, he is not owed any unpaid wages, compensation, overtime pay or leave.

 

10.               Disclosure of Any Material Information . EXECUTIVE represents and warrants that, as of the date EXECUTIVE signs this Agreement, he has disclosed to COMPANY any information in his possession concerning any conduct involving COMPANY that he has any reason to believe may be unlawful, violates any COMPANY policy or would otherwise reflect poorly on COMPANY in any respect.

 

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11.               Return of Property . EXECUTIVE further represents and warrants that, as of the Departure Date, he has returned all property of COMPANY and any property of COMPANY’s clients, regardless of the type, location or medium (i.e., computer disk, CD-ROM) upon which it is maintained, including, but not limited to, all client lists, vendor lists, business plans and strategies, financial data or reports, memoranda, correspondence, software, and any other documents pertaining to the business of COMPANY, or its clients or vendors, as well as any credit cards, keys (including elevator, pass, building and door keys), identification cards, and any other documents, writings and materials that EXECUTIVE came to possess or otherwise acquired as a result of and/or in connection with EXECUTIVE’s employment with COMPANY. Should EXECUTIVE later find any COMPANY property or any COMPANY client property in EXECUTIVE’s possession, EXECUTIVE agrees to return it to COMPANY immediately. EXECUTIVE further agrees not to maintain any copies of said property or make any copies of said property available to any third party.

 

12.               Restrictive Covenants and Incorporation of Executive Severance Plan . EXECUTIVE agrees to comply with each of the restrictive covenants set forth in Section 4 of the Executive Severance Plan, as well as all other terms and conditions of the Executive Severance Plan, which is expressly incorporated herein by reference, except for Section 4.2(b). Effective as of the Departure Date, COMPANY hereby consents and agrees that the provisions of Section 4.2(b) of the Executive Severance Plan shall cease to be of any further force or effect, solely as it pertains to actions against Executive (the “Non-Compete Waiver”). For the avoidance of doubt, EXECUTIVE hereby consents and agrees that the Non-Compete Waiver shall not otherwise impinge or reduce Company’s ability to enforce any other provisions contained within the Executive Severance Plan, including the non-waived provisions in Section 4.

 

13.               Confidentiality . EXECUTIVE understands and agrees that the terms of this Agreement are confidential and shall not be disclosed to any third party except for EXECUTIVE’s spouse and any financial or legal advisor(s); provided, however, that in the case of any advisor(s), such disclosure shall only be made the extent necessary to perform services for EXECUTIVE; provided further, however, that disclosure may also be made to the extent required by law. Notwithstanding anything else contained or referenced herein, nothing in this Agreement shall limit or impede EXECUTIVE’s right (with or without prior notice to COMPANY) to (i) raise in good faith or participate in an investigation regarding any potential violation of law or regulation with any governmental or regulatory agency, including the Securities and Exchange Commission, or (ii) make any disclosure protected by law under the whistleblower provisions of any state or federal statutes or regulations. However, any disclosure of Confidential Information made to any governmental or regulatory agency will be limited to Confidential Information that is reasonably related to the alleged violation and/or specifically requested by the investigating agency. The EXECUTIVE will make any such disclosure(s) only to such parties authorized to investigate the potential violation.

 

14.               Non-Disparagement . EXECUTIVE and COMPANY will not make any statement or engage in any activity, which disparages or impairs the reputation, goodwill or commercial interests of the Company, its officers, directors, employees, agents or services or EXECUTIVE.

 

15.               Post-Employment Obligations . EXECUTIVE understands and agrees that he will fully abide by such post-employment obligations, if any, as EXECUTIVE may have previously undertaken to COMPANY in connection with his employment by COMPANY, except under Section 8(b)(iii) of the letter agreement between EXECTUIVE and COMPANY dated August 27, 2010 and except as modified under section 12 of this Agreement.

 

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16.   Unemployment Claims. If EXECUTIVE applies for unemployment benefits, the COMPANY agrees to truthfully, completely, and timely respond to any inquiries regarding any claims for unemployment benefits filed by EXECUTIVE.

 

17.               General .

 

(a)        Severability . If any provision of this Agreement is found by a court of competent jurisdiction to be unenforceable, in whole or in part, then that provision will be eliminated, modified or restricted in whatever manner is necessary to make the remaining provisions enforceable to the maximum extent allowable by law.

 

(b)        Successors . This Agreement shall be binding upon, enforceable by, and inure to the benefit of EXECUTIVE, COMPANY and each Releasee, and EXECUTIVE’s and COMPANY’s personal or legal representatives, executors, administrators, successors, heirs, distributees, devisees and legatees, but neither this Agreement, nor any rights, payments, or obligations arising hereunder may be assigned, pledged, transferred, or hypothecated by EXECUTIVE or COMPANY.

 

(c)        Controlling Law . This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of Illinois. Any action relating to this Agreement shall be brought in the Cook County Circuit Court or the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois.

 

(d)        Waiver . No claim or right arising out of a breach or default under this Agreement can be discharged by a waiver of that claim or right unless the waiver is in writing signed by the party hereto to be bound by such waiver. A waiver by any party hereto of a breach or default by another party of any provision of this Agreement shall not be deemed a waiver of future compliance therewith and such provision shall remain in full force and effect.

 

(e)        Notices . All other notices, requests, demands and other communications regarding this Agreement shall be in writing and delivered in person or sent by Registered or Certified U.S. Mail, Postage Prepaid, Return Receipt Requested, and properly addressed as follows:

 

  To COMPANY:   FreightCar America, Inc.
    Two North Riverside Plaza
    Suite 1300
    Chicago, IL 60606
    Attention: General Counsel
     
  To EXECUTIVE:   Joseph E. McNeely
    22692 Granite Drive
    Frankfort, IL 60423

 

18.               Entire Agreement/Amendment . The parties hereto agree that this Agreement, constitutes the entire agreement between EXECUTIVE and COMPANY, and that, except for the post-employment obligations referred to in Paragraphs 15 and 12 above and any previously granted and vested LTIP Award to which EXECUTIVE is entitled (including the LTIP Award Clarification), this Agreement supersedes any and all prior and/or contemporaneous written and/or oral agreements relating to EXECUTIVE’s employment with COMPANY and termination therefrom. EXECUTIVE understands and agrees that this Agreement may not be modified except by written document, signed by the parties hereto.

 

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19.               Knowing and Voluntary Action . EXECUTIVE acknowledges that he received this Agreement on July 17, 2017 and has been advised in writing to consult an attorney before signing this Agreement. EXECUTIVE further acknowledges that he has read this Agreement; has been given a period of at least twenty-one (21) calendar days to consider this Agreement; understands its meaning and application; and is signing of his own free will with the intent of being bound by it. If EXECUTIVE elects to sign this Agreement prior to the expiration of twenty-one (21) calendar days, he acknowledges that he has done so voluntarily and knowingly.

 

20.               Revocation of Agreement . EXECUTIVE further acknowledges that he may revoke this Agreement at any time within a period of seven (7) calendar days following the date EXECUTIVE signs this Agreement. Notice of revocation shall be made in writing and addressed to COMPANY in accordance with Paragraph 16(e). Such revocation must be received by COMPANY by the close of business of the first day following the end of the seven-day revocation period. EXECUTIVE understands and agrees that if he revokes this Agreement, COMPANY shall have no obligation to abide by the terms of this Agreement, including, but not limited to, the payment of any severance compensation provided for in this Agreement and any severance payments provided in Paragraphs 5(b), 5(c), and 5(d) shall be delayed until this Agreement is no longer revocable. EXECUTIVE further understands and agrees that this Agreement shall not become effective until after the time period for revocation has expired.

 

21.               Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but all of which together shall constitute one agreement.

 

22.               409A . Section 5 of the Executive Severance Plan is incorporated and applicable to all payments and obligations contemplated herein.

 

 

 

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed and agreed to this Agreement.

 

JOSEPH E. MCNEELY

 

/s/ Joseph E. McNeely

 

Date:  July 17, 2017

 

 

FREIGHTCAR AMERICA, INC.

 

By:  /s/ Georgia L. Vlamis

 

Title:  Vice President, General Counsel, Corporate Secretary and Human Resources

 

Date:  July 17, 2017

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EXHIBIT 99.1

FreightCar America appoints James R. Meyer as President and Chief Executive Officer

Joseph E. McNeely will leave the Company to pursue new opportunities

CHICAGO, July 18, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- FreightCar America, Inc. (NASDAQ:RAIL) announced today that its Board of Directors has appointed James R. Meyer as President and Chief Executive Officer, effective July 31, 2017. Mr. Meyer will succeed Joseph E. McNeely, who will leave the Company by mutual consent to pursue new opportunities.

Mr. Meyer, 56, has nearly 30 years of experience in the heavy equipment, automotive and consumer goods industries. He joins the Company from Commercial Specialty Truck Holdings, LLC, a commercial truck manufacturer, where he has served as Chairman of the Board and has been an investor and advisor since 2015. From 2012 to 2015, he served as Chief Operating Officer of Allied Specialty Vehicles, Inc., a manufacturer of specialty vehicles for the fire and emergency, commercial and recreation segments. Prior to that, Mr. Meyer held various leadership positions at Brunswick Corporation, a publicly held manufacturer of recreational products.  At different times from 2006 to 2012, he oversaw its Hatteras Yachts and Sealine International business units and its product development and supply chain functions.  Mr. Meyer also spent 16 years at Ford Motor Company where he held various executive positions.

“We are extremely pleased to name Jim Meyer as President and CEO and have him join the Board,” said William D. Gehl, Chairman of the Board. “Jim has demonstrated outstanding leadership skills and we expect the Company to benefit from his extensive industry experience and solid financial expertise. Based on his proven leadership and experience, Jim is the ideal person to guide the Company in the future and I look forward to working with him as we continue to execute on our long-term growth strategy.” Gehl continued, “On behalf of the Board, I would also like to thank Joe McNeely for his invaluable contributions to FreightCar America. We are grateful for all of his hard work and dedication and wish him all the best in his future endeavors.”

FreightCar America, Inc. manufactures a wide range of railroad freight cars, supplies railcar parts and leases freight cars through its JAIX Leasing Company subsidiary. FreightCar America designs and builds high-quality railcars, including coal cars, bulk commodity cars, covered hopper cars, intermodal and non-intermodal flat cars, mill gondola cars, coil steel cars and boxcars. It is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois and has facilities in the following locations: Cherokee, Alabama; Danville, Illinois; Grand Island, Nebraska; Johnstown, Pennsylvania; Roanoke, Virginia; and Shanghai, People’s Republic of China. More information about FreightCar America is available on its website at www.freightcaramerica.com.

This press release may contain statements relating to our expected financial performance and/or future business prospects, events and plans that are “forward-looking statements” as defined under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements represent our estimates and assumptions only as of the date of this press release. Our actual results may differ materially from the results described in or anticipated by our forward-looking statements due to certain risks and uncertainties. These potential risks and uncertainties include, among other things: the cyclical nature of our business; adverse economic and market conditions; fluctuating costs of raw materials, including steel and aluminum, and delays in the delivery of raw materials; our ability to maintain relationships with our suppliers of railcar components; our reliance upon a small number of customers that represent a large percentage of our sales; the variable purchase patterns of our customers and the timing of completion, delivery and customer acceptance of orders; the highly competitive nature of our industry; the risk of lack of acceptance of our new railcar offerings by our customers; and the additional risk factors described in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We expressly disclaim any duty to provide updates to any forward-looking statements made in this press release, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

MEDIA CONTACT Georgia L. Vlamis
TELEPHONE (800) 458-2235