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With energy conservation high on the list of priorities for many states and counties, railroad and light rail transportation are making a comeback. Both passenger rail and freight rail lines are being developed across North America. All of the components, including railroad fasteners, are set to increase in demand and this shift in transportation development […]

With energy conservation high on the list of priorities for many states and counties, railroad and light rail transportation are making a comeback. Both passenger rail and freight rail lines are being developed across North America. All of the components, including railroad fasteners, are set to increase in demand and this shift in transportation development also affects the economy.
Today’s High-Speed Railroad
Established in Europe for decades, high-speed rail is now making inroads around the world. Changes include new designs with motors in every coach, as opposed to a single locomotive pulling the line of cars. These distributed power designs allow for more passengers and result in quieter, faster trains.
Private companies are involved in today’s railroad industry, developing engines for use on existing rail lines. This combination of public and private sector involvement spells good news for the industry, as more and more projects are implemented to expand or improve lines currently in place.

Production of new engines and railroad cars boosts the demand for quality railroad fasteners and components. Demand for skilled labor also increases, and these projects stretch for great differences and cross borders. All of this business activity drives the economy and affects various economic sectors.
Greater railroad coverage also helps commuters control costs and provides better transportation between the city and suburbs, triggering construction and countless other economic sectors.
Keeping up With Industry Changes
Railroad fasteners must keep up with development, providing the durability required for longer, faster trains carrying more passengers. These newly developed trains also demand line extensions, reaching a whole new portion of the state or nation.
Companies tendered to lay tracks by the government must source out quality fasteners and building materials, relying on a fastener distributor to provide top-notch products at a reasonable cost. Distributors trust manufacturers, who need to source their raw materials from local sources.
This flow helps to maintain or sustain economic growth, both in countries with established railroads and those still under development. When upgrading an older system to take advantage of new railroad innovations, the line and switches may need to be changed as well, with all of the relevant building materials and fasteners required.
Although the railroad industry is small in comparison to many others, shifts in innovation drive demand for rail components and railroad fasteners. Each bit helps to improve our economy, and businesses involved in the fastener industry are wise to take advantage of the opportunities as they arise.

About the Author

Larry Melone
By Larry Melone
President

Started my career in the fastener world in 1969 at, Parker Kalon Corp. a NJ based screw manufacturer located in Clifton, NJ working in inventory control, scheduling secondary production and concluding there in purchasing. In 1971 I accepted a sales position at Star Stainless Screw Co., Totowa, NJ working in inside sales and later as an outside salesman, having a successful career at Star I had the desire with a friend to start our own fastener distribution company in 1980 named: Divspec, Kenilworth, NJ. This was a successful adventure but ended in 1985 with me starting Melfast in August 1985 and have stayed competitive and successful to date. Melfast serves the OEM market with approximately 400 accounts nationally.

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