Axion International Signs First Railroad Tie Order with Alcoa

Axion International a leading producer of industrial building products and railroad ties made from 100% recycled plastic, announced it has signed its first order to provide Axion's innovative Recycled Structural Composite (RSC) railroad ties (referred to as sleepers in Australia) to Alcoa Fastening Systems, a subsidiary of Alcoa, Inc. (NYSE: AA), one of the largest producers of aluminum in the world.

"We are pleased to announce this new contract-win and look forward to working with Alcoa's team as we complete our first project together," stated Jim Kerstein, Axion's Chief Technology Officer. "Using our patented material, designed from 100% recycled plastic, Alcoa will be able to further reduce its carbon foot-print, while simultaneously investing in a superior sleeper that is expected to last signifantly longer than the typical hardwood sleepers presently used."

The railroad sleepers are expected to be delivered by late April. The 6.5 foot, 10" x 10" sleepers are to be used as a replacement for wooden sleepers that have been part of the existing bauxite railroad track at Alcoa's Wagerup refinery in WA since the 1970's.

"Jim and the rest of the Axion team have been a pleasure to work with and we look forward to delivering these new sleepers to the refinery at Wagerup," stated Glen R. Woodrow - Manager, Mining, Rail, Oil & Gas of Alcoa Fastening Systems. "Due to their unique blend of recycled polymers, Axion is providing Alcoa with a material that is not only good for the environment, but more cost effective than traditional railroad sleepers on a long-term basis. After our initial purchase we will evaluate Axion's materials on both an engineering and cost basis for potential use in future railroad sleeper projects throughout Australia, the Pacific and South East Asia."

Developed in conjunction with Rutgers University's Materials Sciences and Engineering Department, Axion's proprietary Recycled Structural Composite (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.