Axion International Announces First Railroad Tie Order with Mexico
Mexico’s Largest Railway Line, Ferromex, to Test Axion’s 100% Recycled Plastic Railroad Ties in the Country’s Tough Coastal Climates
NEW PROVIDENCE, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Axion International (OTCBB:AXIH.ob - News), a leading producer of industrial building products and railroad ties made from 100% recycled plastic, announced that it commenced its first test order of Axion’s Recycled Structural Composite (RSC) with Ferromex, the largest railway line in Mexico.
Ferromex’s test order will be installed in various coastal regions in Mexico to provide an assessment of Axion’s capabilities in the harsh weather and salt-air environments of those regions. The salt in particular can lead to degradation of traditional building materials such as creosote treated wood and concrete ties, at a much faster rate than the dry, salt-free climates further inland.
“Axion is thrilled to be working with the largest railway line in Mexico,” said Steve Silverman, Axion’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “This represents yet another international validator for Axion, on top of Morocco, Canada, and most recently Australia. Ferromex is very significant potential new client, and we look forward to exceeding their expectations for the test so we can supply the railway with our environmentally friendly alternative to wood and concrete railroad ties.”
Ferromex has more than 8,000 kilometers of main tracks, consisting of 45% wood and 55% concrete ties. This extensive network represents the largest coverage in Mexico’s National Railway System. It connects the main cities in the country as well as five points on the border with the United States, four sea ports on the Pacific Ocean and two more on the Gulf of Mexico.
“What caught our attention about Axion’s RSC is not only the fact that it is environmentally friendly, but that it might have the potential to become more economically efficient on a long-term basis, due to certain reductions in maintenance costs,” said Juan Manuel Soler, Ferromex Maintenance of Operative Resources Director. “Especially in coastal areas, where the salt-air and moisture adversely affects our wood railroad tie infrastructure. We welcome Axion to supply their test product so we can properly evaluate it, following a suitable protocol, for Ferromex’s long-term consideration going forward.”
Axion’s RSC, developed in conjunction with Rutgers University’s Materials Sciences and Engineering Department, is inert and contains no toxic materials. It is impervious to insect infestation, will not leach toxic chemicals nor warp. 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.
About Ferrocarril Mexicano, S.A. de C.V.
Ferrocarril Mexicano (Ferromex) formed by Grupo Mexico and Union Pacific, began operating in February of 1998. The company has invested in 12 years $1.7 billion in infrastructure, locomotives, freight cars, technology and Intermodal and automotive terminals. With more than 8,000 kilometers of tracks, Ferromex represents the largest coverage in the National Railway System in Mexico. It connects the main cities in the country as well as five points on the border with the United States, four sea ports on the Pacific Ocean and two more on the Gulf of Mexico. Additional information may be found at: www.ferromex.com.mx. |
