L.B. Foster Launches Single-Source Friction Management Services

L.B. Foster’s North American Rail Technologies & Services Group is now offering single-source friction management services for the short line and industrial rail markets.

Friction management is among the best tools for railroads and industrial rail lines to extend wheel and rail life, increase fuel savings, mitigate noise, and improve rail vehicle performance, according to L.B. Foster. The company offers wayside equipment and consumables such as gauge face grease and advanced top-of-rail lubricants, as well as maintenance and monitoring programs through its mobile field services team. These products and services can be provided a la carte or through a bundled service agreement.

“We’ve seen an increase in customers within this segment of the rail market requiring more bundled services, which can save them time and money over the course of their program,” L.B. Foster Friction Management Commercial Manager Shayne Meyers said. “These types of agreements allow us to design a program specific to each customer that focuses on the health of their rail assets, whether it be a short line or industrial facility, or really anything that is rail served.

“Our relationship with industrials continues to grow, and we’ve gained positive feedback on the convenience of our program, which is positioning us as a single-source provider to this customer segment.”