NEW PROVIDENCE, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Axion International (OTCBB: AXIH), 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.
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.
For additional information, please visit Axion’s corporate website: www.axionintl.com
Forward-Looking Statements
This release contains “forward-looking statements” for purposes of the Securities and Exchange Commission’s “safe harbor” provisions under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and Rule 3b-6 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties that could cause Axion’s actual results to differ materially from those currently anticipated, including the risk factors identified in Axion’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.