Worldwide industrial services and engineered products company Harsco Corporation received two new railway equipment orders in China totaling close to $11 million.

The orders, both for major rapid transit system operators in China, call for 20-stone rail grinders for delivery in 2011. The units will be used to maintain rail profiles for smoother travel at higher speeds and to remove rail surface defects, thus extending rail life while reducing fuel consumption and operating costs. Harsco Rail has developed a configuration expressly for the metro market that includes fully integrated, on-board diagnostics to simplify maintenance and minimize downtime in high-volume rapid transit roles. The 20-stone designation refers to the number of grinding heads, each of which can be individually aligned to restore precise rail profiles. 

The additional orders from China continue the broad U.S. and international expansion of the Harsco Rail business as one of the world's leading providers of equipment and service solutions for total track maintenance. Current production includes its major order from China's Ministry of Railways for more than 40 rail grinders, which extends into 2012, as well as additional orders from U.S. and other international customers for rail grinders, the new innovative drone tamper and other track maintenance systems. The company also provides contract service support to major U.S. and international rail operators and is pursuing additional service and equipment bidding opportunities throughout the world.