Axion International Receives Purchase Order to Supply Materials for First Plastic Bridge in Europe
Contracted by Vertech Limited through Axion’s Business Partner Sicut Holding Limited
Bridge Span in Scotland to Be Built Using Axion’s 100% Recycled Plastic Composites, the First of its Kind Outside the US
:
Press Release Source: Axion International On Monday July 18, 2011, 4:05 pm EDT
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 it has received a purchase order from Vertech Limited through Axion’s business partner Sicut Holding Limited for $170,000 worth of Axion’s innovative Recycled Structural Composite (RSC) material, which will be used in the construction of a plastic bridge in Scotland, the first of its kind outside the US.
The bridge will be approximately 12 feet wide x 90 feet long and will be used to replace an existing steel beam and timber deck road bridge. The existing bridge is supported by two masonry–built piers and abutments, which are in good condition and will remain in place to support the new bridge designed from Axion’s 100% recycled plastic RSC materials. The clear span is 28 feet between piers resulting in three effective spans at 30 feet, representing the longest single spans yet constructed using this unique material. The bridge has been designed to European standards to carry a load of 45 metric tons.
“We are pleased to be a part of this project in Scotland,” stated Steve Silverman, Axion’s President and CEO. “As the first bridge span in Europe designed from 100% recycled plastic, Axion is pleased that our purchase order with Vertech and partnership with Sicut could make this bridge a reality. As we continue to see acceptance of our recycled plastic products, Axion remains committed to maintaining a diversified sales pipeline with a growing network of international partners around the globe. We look forward to supplying our materials for Europe’s first plastic bridge and pursuing additional opportunities in the region.”
The bridge crosses the River Tweed and is located on a parcel of private property near Edinburgh, Scotland. It was commissioned by Vertech Ltd and designed by architectural consulting firm Cass Hayward of Wales. The bridge will be constructed on-site by a local Scottish contractor.
The new bridge will be manufactured and prefabricated in the United States at Axion’s plant in Portland, PA and will be shipped to Liverpool via container ship and then on to Edinburgh. The new bridge will be shipped in six sections (two per span), and due to the pre-fab nature of the bridge it is expected to be assembled onsite with relative ease. The bridge is expected to be fully manufactured and installed by October 2011, before Scotland’s winter season.
William Mainwaring, CEO of Vertech Ltd commented, “The UK has a significant bridging requirement, particularly in rural areas, to meet modern transport needs. Whole life costs, particularly with respect to maintenance, are increasingly important and hence we are very excited to be able to introduce this unique new structural material into the UK market. Its environmental credentials combined with its durability and minimum maintenance requirements are a distinct advantage over conventional alternatives as well as offering cost effective solutions. We look forward to working with Sicut and Axion on this project and others.”
Developed in conjunction with Rutgers University’s Materials Sciences and Engineering Department, Axion’s proprietary RSC material is inert and contains no toxic materials. It is impervious to insect infestation, will never leach toxic chemicals nor warp. Because it is lighter than traditional materials, transporting RSC is less expensive and reduces energy costs. In addition, Axion’s products are completely recyclable at the end of their functional life.
About Vertech Limited
Vertech Ltd is a dynamic company established in Wales as a JV between a group of senior executives with extensive knowledge of the construction sector and Sicut Holding Ltd. The company manufactures and distributes genuinely closed loop and very high performance composite sheet materials and thin walled profiles across Europe. Working with Sicut and Axion International, Vertech Ltd will also combine Rutgers’ technology with its extensive market knowledge to exploit the significant bridging market in the UK.
About Axion International
Axion International is a leading structural solution provider of cost-effective alternative infrastructure and building products. The Company’s "green" proprietary technologies allow for the development and manufacture of innovative structural products made from 100% recycled consumer and industrial plastics. Axion's up-cycled products are an economic and sustainable alternative to traditional building materials such as wood, steel or concrete. Developed in collaboration with scientists at Rutgers University, Axion's patented technologies allow for products that are extremely strong, durable, flexible in design, and low maintenance. |
