Blog

Last February, we acquired ESCO Equipment Company. Following the acquisition we signed a multi-year distributor partnership with Pandrol to distribute Railtech Matweld hydraulic tools and Rosenqvist rail equipment throughout the U.S. and Canada with Railway Supply Group‘s sister company- Davanac Inc. This step allowed our IRS team an opportunity to focus on the strategy in…

Read More ›

On any worksite there is always the goal of getting the job done as safely, quickly, and as cost effectively as possible. But, when multiple high demand jobs need work simultaneously, it can be hard to prioritize which one of these goals comes first. One of these tough jobs -tie replacing- has new technology that is simplifying its process…

Read More ›

Elmhurst, IL- This week our partners J.Lanfranco Fastener Systems Inc. visited the IRS headquarters to make an instructional video for locknut installation. It can be difficult to get video or pictures of products in action on work sites with the added factors of trains and deadlines. By having our own test site, IRS and J.Lanfranco…

Read More ›

WARNING: Always follow all manufacturers safety & operating instructions. The most important factor to consider when attempting a rail cutting job is safety. While modern tools and technology allow cuts to be made at a faster rate than ever before, there are still risks involved. However, there are also ways to consider and avoid these…

Read More ›

Elmhurst, IL-Effective Oct. 2018, Industry-Railway Suppliers (IRS) has entered an additional partnership with Willamette Valley Company (WVCO.) While the companies have been partners for 16 years, this new agreement makes IRS the largest distributor of FastPatch systems to the railroad industry. “Our goal is to provide North American customers with safe, high quality products that equal…

Read More ›

While the first day of fall has just passed, it is never too soon to start preparing for what’s to come next. With winter right around the corner, many of our customers will soon be experiencing sub-zero temperatures, blizzards, and ice conditions across the country. We specialize in seasonal products such as FireSnake, switch brooms,…

Read More ›

Rich Brawner, a field sales and product support specialist at IRS, is a railroad industry veteran with 41 years of experience. But, while visiting a Metro tunnel in Minneapolis MN, a seemingly unworkable problem proved that new technology can deliver advancements even veterans of the industry have never seen. Over time, clips can become welded…

Read More ›

The railway industry is one that takes dedicated employees and the latest technology to succeed. According to the Association of American Railroads, there are more than 28,000 locomotives, 1.6 million rail cars, and enough rail to circle the earth eight times in the United States alone. Without the newest technology and equipment, it would be…

Read More ›

    Recently, the IRS teamed up with our supplier Norton Abrasives to perform continuous improvement testing on saw blades in our Elmhurst, IL headquarters. Tests like this one are not only necessary for safety, but also ensure products are up to top standards. While the process does change depending on the product, here are…

Read More ›

Handles take a real beating. With constant usage, exposure to the elements, and the tough jobs being performed, track tool handles become loose or can break.  Keep your tools safe, comfortable, and performing their best by replacing the handles regularly. Follow these 12 easy steps to have your tools back up and working as quickly…

Read More ›