AXION receives order for rail transit switch ties
Written by William C. Vantuono, Editor-in-ChiefAXION International Holdings, Inc. (AXIH), a supplier of recycled-plastic and plastic-composite ECOTRAX® ties and STRUXURE® building products, and a vertically integrated re-processor and supplier of recycled plastic, has received an order worth approximately $377,000 from a West Coast rail transit system for switch ties to upgrade 26 wood-tie turnouts. The customer was not disclosed.
“After the successful completion of one year in-track testing, we are set to start upgrading existing wooden rail ties with our ECOTRAX 100% Recycled Rail Ties, which offer a long life cycle and reduced costs, will not rot or absorb moisture, and are impervious to insect infestation,” the company said. “The transit network is one of the largest on the West Coast and is one of the busiest systems in North America.”
“This order provides us with the chance to make one of the largest West Coast transit railroads more sustainable with our products,” said AXION Global Manager ECOTRAX Rail Division Cory Burdick. “Due to strict regulations in certain states, it has become increasingly difficult and costly to dispose creosote soaked wood after its useful life, an issue not faced when installing ECOTRAX ties, given that they are 100% recyclable. There are also difficulties faced by many railroads to procure timber in longer lengths of quality. ECOTRAX ties are consistent in quality no matter the length. After the successful completion of one year in-track testing, our ties have demonstrated the ability to provide long-term value over other tie alternatives. Additionally, our ties provide long-term benefits to the environment. This order will recycle more than 17 tons of plastic that would otherwise end up in oceans or landfills. Since they are completely recyclable after their useful life, ECOTRAX ties a completely closed-loop sustainable product.”
