Class I places order for new recycled plastic tie

Axion International announced Wednesday that “one of the largest railroads in North America has placed the first purchase order, under a letter of intent for the ongoing purchase of Recycled Structural Composite (RSC) railroad ties.”

“We’re thrilled to receive this initial order from such a respected customer,” said Jim Kerstein, Axion CEO. “Without question this is further validation that the Class I railroad market is looking for longer-lasting, more long-term economical alternatives to wood and concrete.

Per the Association of American Railroads “the U.S. rail industry spent $7.7 billion dollars on maintaining roadway and structures in 2008,” said Kerstein. “That number is increasing annually and we believe suppliers, like Axion, who deliver more durable, environmentally friendly products with a lower cost of lifetime ownership will increase their share of that pie.”

Axion said its RSC, developed in conjunction with Rutgers University’s Materials Sciences and Engineering Department, “is inert and contains no toxic materials. It will never leach, warp, and is impervious to insect infestation. Because it is lighter than traditional materials, transporting RSC is less expensive and reduces energy costs. In addition, RSC is completely recyclable at the end of its functional life.”