Center Stage: Bringing Track and Rail Suppliers Into the Spotlight

APChanel via Shutterstock

As RT&S has done with engineering and construction companies throughout 2025, this “Perspectives” series now shifts its focus to track and rail suppliers. Now that the end of 2025 is in sight and the rail industry turns its attention to 2026, there remains a growing need to enhance safety, develop innovative solutions to complex problems, and adapt to technological change. Suppliers must meet these demands from railroads to ensure continued partnership. This series takes a look at CEOs and executives from across the rail supply chain to share their own perspectives on meeting that pressure. What becomes clear is that each offers a forward-looking view of the supplier industry as it steps into the future. 

 CEO Perspective: Supplier Relationships and Company Culture 

By Justin Broyles, CEO, R. J. Corman Railroad Group 

The relationship between railroads and their suppliers is foundational to the long-term success of the industry. Railroads operate in a complex, safety-critical environment where reliability, innovation, and responsiveness from suppliers are not just appreciated – they are essential. R. J. Corman Railroad Group holds a unique perspective as both a rail operator and a rail service provider to the wider Railroad Industry. We view our clients as strategic partners, collaborating closely to help them fulfill their commitments to customers, shareholders, and the communities they serve, and that’s what we expect from our suppliers too. 

Essential Needs from Rail Suppliers 

First and foremost, railroads need suppliers who understand the nuances and challenges of the rail industry. This means providing products and services that meet rigorous safety and quality standards, with an unwavering commitment to reliability. Downtime or equipment failure can have cascading effects, impacting schedules, customer satisfaction, and even safety. Timely delivery and proactive support are non-negotiable; suppliers must anticipate needs, respond swiftly to issues, and communicate transparently. 

Innovation is also critical. The rail industry is evolving, with new technologies and environmental regulations shaping how we operate. Suppliers who invest in research and development, offering solutions that increase efficiency, reduce emissions, and lower costs, are invaluable. Collaboration is key – suppliers who are willing to work closely with railroad operators to customize solutions and adapt to changing requirements truly stand out.

Finally, ethical business practices and shared values matter. Railroads need suppliers who act with integrity, adhere to regulatory requirements, and demonstrate a commitment to sustainability and community engagement. This alignment fosters trust and builds long-term relationships that benefit both parties. 

The Importance of Company Culture 

At  R. J. Corman Railroad Group, our values are the glue that holds our organization together. They shape how we interact with suppliers, customers, and each other. A positive, safety-focused culture encourages accountability, continuous improvement, and open communication. When our employees feel valued and empowered, they go the extra mile – ensuring our operations run smoothly and our customers are satisfied. 

A strong company culture also attracts top talent and supports innovation. It creates an environment where people are motivated to solve problems, embrace new technologies, and pursue excellence. Ultimately, a healthy culture at R. J. Corman not only drives our success but also strengthens our partnerships with our clients and suppliers, ensuring we deliver quality and reliability across the industry. 

What Railroads Need from Suppliers in 2026

By Kevin Erasmus, CEO, DavRail

As 2026 looms, the freight transportation industry is keen to capitalize on the current administration’s mandate to onshore production and has been strategically positioning itself to deliver those cradle-side needs to producers—both as goods come in cross-border and from coast to coast. As my good friend Henry Posner is famous for saying, “Drainage is key.” Applied as a metaphor to all track structure, the rail industry cannot effectively capitalize on that expected transportation demand if it cannot guarantee the track and infrastructure integrity required to move every pound of material safely and quickly from first mile to last mile. This is where MOW service providers like DavRail make carriers, large and small, look good—track work done well, done safely, and done efficiently, lowering MOW overhead and ultimately driving shareholder returns and customer cost reductions across all networks. 

Importance of Sustainability in the Development of Equipment DavRail Offers 

DavRail’s Center Lift service equipment offerings set an industry standard for more than just our performance. Our Center Lift machines use power packs that meet and exceed even the strictest emissions standards and are so robust that their lifecycles are measured in decades, not months. With such durable products, we’ve moved away from the consumerism that so often plagues the industry, clogs laydown yards, and strains annual CapEx budgets. Our Center Lift machines are designed to last and proven to perform. 

Projects DavRail is Working On 

DavRail is paving the way in North America for how railroads and rail contractors plan for Maintenance of Way. The Center Lift Technique has proven to be wildly popular with carrier project managers and design-build firms alike. Big lifts are clearly the new big thing, and DavRail is building lift plans for 2026 that include a double-main panel on one of the nation’s busiest rail intersections, a 1,600-foot panel movement without cuts or welds, and a #24 double diamond. DavRail executes complex track panels exceptionally well, and the industry’s growing interest in our Center Lift Technique services is as exciting to develop as it is to deliver. 

Navigating 2026: What Railroads Need from Their Equipment Suppliers

By John Roberts, CEO, R.E.L.A.M. 

As the rail industry prepares for the challenges and opportunities of 2026, railroads must align with suppliers who deliver on four essential pillars: safety and reliability, flexibility and cost effectiveness, availability, and end-to-end service. These factors are critical to maintaining operational excellence in a competitive, fast-moving environment. 

Safety & Reliability 

Safe, high-performing maintenance-of-way (MoW) machines and inspection systems are the foundation of efficient operations. Equipment must meet strict safety standards and deliver consistent performance across all conditions. RELAM supports this by offering a young, durable fleet designed to withstand daily demands. Our machines undergo rigorous inspections and preventative maintenance, ensuring reliability, protecting crews, and keeping infrastructure in top shape. 

Flexibility & Cost Effectiveness 

Railroads operate in diverse environments with evolving needs. Flexibility in fleet options and leasing terms is essential to staying agile and managing costs. RELAM provides short- and long-term leases on late-model MoW equipment and hi-rail vehicles. Our solutions reduce capital expenditures and transportation costs while offering immediate access to reliable equipment. We also support our fleet with a full inventory of parts and responsive service. 

Availability 

Delays caused by unavailable equipment or parts can derail project timelines. Suppliers must ensure consistent access to critical assets. With multiple locations across North America and a robust fleet of MoW machines and hi-rail vehicles, RELAM ensures equipment is ready when and where it’s needed. Our integrated parts support and proactive logistics help minimize downtime and keep operations moving. 

Service 

Responsive, expert support is key to minimizing disruptions. Railroads need partners who stand behind their equipment. RELAM offers 24/7 support, remote diagnostics, and mobile service units. Our experienced field teams deliver fast, practical solutions that foster trust and enable railroads to stay focused on their core operations. 

Strategic Partnerships for a Resilient Future  

To succeed in 2026 and beyond, railroads must partner with suppliers who offer safe and reliable equipment, flexible and cost-effective leasing options, consistent access to critical parts, and responsive expert field support. RELAM exemplifies these qualities, positioning itself as a strategic partner for railroads seeking dependable, scalable solutions that evolve with industry demands. As the rail sector continues to modernize, suppliers who deliver complete solutions, not just products, will be instrumental in driving operational excellence and long-term success. 

Engineering the Future of Rail: Partnership, Intelligence, and Purpose

By Thomas Blechinger, President & CEO, Plasser American Corporation 

As we look ahead to 2026, one thing is clear: the rail industry is at an inflection point. Railroads today expect more than reliable machinery, they expect partnership. They need suppliers who understand their operational challenges, workforce realities, and long-term goals. At Plasser American, we see ourselves not only as equipment manufacturers and service providers but as technology partners, providing integrated solutions that enhance safety, performance, and sustainability. 

The Rise of Artificial Intelligence in Track Maintenance 

Artificial intelligence is transforming the maintenance-of-way sector. AI-driven systems can now analyze track geometry data, autonomously operate tamping machines, and predict maintenance needs long before issues arise. Our Tamping Assistant, for instance, continuously learns from each operation, improving precision and repeatability while reducing operator fatigue. The result is safer, more efficient, and data-driven maintenance, empowering crews rather than replacing them. 

Innovation and Sustainability — Made in the USA 

Innovation at Plasser American is driven by a simple goal: to create smarter, cleaner, and more efficient solutions for the rail industry. As we develop the next generation of maintenance-of-way equipment, sustainability is not just a consideration, it’s a core design principle. Our hybrid and battery-powered systems significantly reduce fuel consumption and emissions while maintaining the reliability and performance our customers expect. Our “Made in USA” commitment amplifies that mission. By manufacturing locally in Chesapeake, Virginia, we not only support American jobs and families but also minimize transport emissions and ensure the highest quality standards. The recent expansion of our Chesapeake campus and the opening of our new Ultrasonic Testing headquarters inDanbury, Connecticut, reflect this long-term investment in domestic innovation and service capability. These initiatives, combined with our advances in digital monitoring and data integration, position Plasser American at the forefront of sustainable rail technology. We are building machines that don’t just meet today’s needs — they define the standard for the railroads of tomorrow. 

The Human Element 

Technology alone doesn’t build progress, our people do. Behind every innovation stands a team of dedicated individuals whose skill, pride, and integrity bring ideas to life. Our company culture is rooted in craftsmanship, curiosity, and care. Core values that define how we design, build, and collaborate every day. Many of our leaders began their careers working on and with our machines in the field, and that foundation continues to shape who we are. It’s a culture where learning never stops, where experience is shared, and where each employee takes pride in knowing their work contributes to safer and more efficient railways across North America, the backbone of our nation. As we continue to innovate, we remain guided by the same principles that built our reputation: partnership, precision, and purpose, because while technology drives progress, it’s people who make it meaningful. 

Thomas Blechinger is President & CEO of Plasser American Corporation, a leading manufacturer of track maintenance machines based in Chesapeake, Virginia. With over three decades of global experience in the rail industry, he is known for driving innovation, operational excellence, and sustainable growth across North America’s rail infrastructure sector. 

The Long Haul: NARSTCO 

By Nick Delmonico, Director of Sales, NARSTCO 

As we enter 2026, railroads need more than products—they need partners who deliver reliability, responsiveness, and lasting value. The industry is focused on improving safety, simplifying installation, reducing maintenance, and managing lifecycle costs. At NARSTCO, we prioritize consistent supply, transparent performance, and early design collaboration to help rail operations run more efficiently. Our steel ties provide substantial savings in total cost of ownership thanks to their durability, low maintenance, and extended lifespan. 

Artificial intelligence is reshaping manufacturing, offering new ways to boost quality control, optimize production, and cut costs. In the rail supply sector, AI enables smarter forecasting, real-time diagnostics, and predictive maintenance. Suppliers who adopt these tools will be better equipped to meet rising customer expectations and evolving regulatory standards. Sustainability drives every NARSTCO product. Made from recycled steel and fully recyclable at end-of-life, our ties and turnouts significantly reduce environmental impact compared to alternative products. Through circular manufacturing and durable design, we help customers meet ESG goals while improving operational performance and cost efficiency. We support Class I, short line, transit, and industrial customers across North America with siding, yard, and terminal projects. Our steel tie and eclip systems are increasingly specified for high-traffic, heavy-load applications due to fast installation and proven reliability. We also collaborate with engineering firms and public-private partners on infrastructure modernization efforts. 

South Carolina’s Palmetto Railways Camp Hall Rail project—a 23-mile freight corridor opening in 2026—features NARSTCO steel ties and turnouts, built to handle heavy industrial traffic and ensure long-term performance. We’re also supplying steel ties and turnouts for the South Carolina Ports’ Navy Base Intermodal Facility, which includes over 35,000 feet of track supporting dual Class I service and high-volume operations. Our culture is built on safety, integrity, and partnership. Every NARSTCO team member —from engineering to customer service—understands that reliability starts with accountability. We’re a nimble, solutions-driven organization committed to helping customers meet challenges head-on and deliver lasting results. 

Hitachi Rail’s Vision for 2026: Leading with Innovation, Sustainability, and Local Impact 

By Joseph Pozza, President and Country Representative, Hitachi Rail 

As we approach 2026, the rail industry stands at a pivotal moment. At Hitachi Rail, we believe rail suppliers must evolve to meet the growing needs of transit authorities and passengers alike. Looking ahead to 2026, transit authorities and freight railroads need more than suppliers—they need strategic partners who understand the full rail ecosystem and can deliver smart, scalable, safe, and sustainable solutions. This is why our business is focused on helping our customers rethink mobility through innovation and collaboration. Our HMAX (Hyper Mobility Asset Expert) platform, developed in partnership with NVIDIA, does just this, enabling real-time monitoring and predictive maintenance across trains, tracks, and signaling systems. By processing data—directly on trains and infrastructure—we’re able to detect faults faster, reduce downtime, and improve safety for both passengers and workers. With these advancements in mind, we see HMAX and our wider product line as integral components in transforming maintenance-of-way operations for our business.   

Further, we are also actively delivering major projects and system solutions across North America including new fleets and systems for Washington Metropolitan Transit Authority (WMATA) Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART), across the MTA New York network, Maryland Transit Administration, Philadelphia’s Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA), San Francisco’s Municipal Transportation Agency, Metrolinx, Vancouver’s SkyTrain network, and many more. These rolling stock, turnkey, and train control system solutions enhance and modernize to meet the unique needs of each city – providing safe, efficient, reliable, and sustainable transit. 

In fact, Hitachi views the links between efficiency, reliability and sustainability as central to our mission. This is represented by our new $100M carbon-neutral factory in Hagerstown, Maryland, a new state-of-the-art train manufacturing facility – which we consider a model for innovation and green manufacturing. Powered by renewable energy and designed for zero landfill waste, it will produce many of the aforementioned projects across North America while further reflecting Hitachi’s commitment to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions across our entire operations and supply chain by 2050.  

Lastly, at the heart of our success is our company culture built upon Harmony, Sincerity and Pioneering Spirit, core values outlined by our founder, Namihei Odaira. Through our values we foster innovation, invest in our people, develop local talent and collaborate across 20+ office locations at all levels of our business. With more than 2,500 employees in North America, our teams are empowered to challenge conventions and drive progress. As we expand our footprint in North America, Hitachi Rail is ready for 2026—and beyond. We’re not just building trains. We’re driving the mobility transformation.  

Future on Track: Pavemetrics 

By Gregory McConnell, Vice President and General Manager, Pavemetrics 

As railways look ahead to 2026, they face growing pressure to maintain vast networks safely, efficiently, and sustainably — often with fewer resources and shrinking maintenance windows. Pavemetrics® was built on the belief that rail operators shouldn’t have to choose between safety and productivity. Our mission has always been to help them achieve both. 

Today, artificial intelligence and the automation of maintenance practices are redefining how the rail industry approaches maintenance-of-way. Pavemetrics® (through its Railmetrics® brand), part of Eddyfi Technologies’ Automated Vision Systems, is at the center of this evolution with its LRAIL™ system. Using high-speed 3D laser technology and AI-driven analytics, LRAIL delivers precise, repeatable measurements of every critical track component — including turnouts and cross-ties — at full track speed, with zero disruptions to operations. 

Traditionally, these inspections required slowing down operations or sending crews on foot, resulting in insufficient data and higher risk. With LRAIL, railways can now obtain complete, geo-referenced data in a single pass — turning subjective assessments into objective insight. This shift from inconsistent patchwork and often subjective human intervention to systemized data collection enables a proactive, predictive approach to maintenance that improves safety, optimizes budgets, and keeps trains moving. 
Sustainability is also a key driver of innovation at Pavemetrics®. By significantly reducing unnecessary site visits, manual re-inspections, and out-of-service time, our technology directly contributes to lower emissions, longer asset life, and more efficient use of resources.

As part of the expanding Eddyfi Technologies industrial technology group, we continue to grow and accelerate innovation while staying true to what has always set Pavemetrics® apart — being close to our customers, listening to their needs, and responding quickly with solutions that make a real difference in the field. Our vision is clear: to help rail operators build a future where technology supports people — making inspections safer, decisions clearer, and railways stronger. 

Track to the Future: ENSCO, Inc. 

By Jeff Stevens, President, ENSCO Inc. 

As ENSCO looks to 2026, our mission remains clear: deliver the most advanced technology and the best service in the business to ensure our customers meet their safety, reliability, and efficiency objectives. For more than two decades, ENSCO has led the evolution of railway inspection, introducing technologies that transformed how railroads maintain their networks. We pioneered breakthroughs in autonomous track inspection, machine-vision automation, and ultrasonic rail testing. Today our technologies inspect over 25 million track miles annually worldwide, enabling railroads to operate more safely and efficiently while lowering lifecycle costs.  

With the recent addition of KLD Labs, ENSCO now offers a complete condition-based monitoring portfolio for both track and rolling stock, linking vehicle performance with infrastructure health. Together, these capabilities empower MOW personnel see their infrastructure in new ways—transforming data into action and enabling faster, smarter decisions. 

Across the industry, we see increasing demand for automation and predictive analytics that allow railroads to keep pace with competing modes of transport. To serve this demand, ENSCO is making substantial investments into autonomous technology that drives widespread deployment and increased automation. Artificial intelligence is a significant contributor to making this possible. At ENSCO, we’re applying AI and machine learning to improve detection capabilities, predict failures, and extend the life of rail assets—turning inspection data into foresight.  

In the year ahead, ENSCO is bringing a new generation of autonomous track and vehicle inspection systems across an exciting range of projects with freight and passenger railways. Behind these latest innovations is a culture defined by creativity, collaboration, and service. Through our internal Innovation Program, engineers continuously test emerging sensors and the latest advances in artificial intelligence and machine learning so we can bring our customers cutting-edge technologies that anticipate their future needs. We have built an expansive field service team operating 24/7 around the world to ensure customers receive responsive, expert support wherever they operate. At ENSCO, technology and teamwork move together—with one shared purpose: enabling railways to operate more safely and efficiently every day.