AXIS LLC (a joint venture between major North American rail-car builders and assembly/parts providers) announced the successful start-up of the first new railway-axle forging plant in the U.S. in more than 40 years. Can-Eng Furnaces International Ltd. supplied, installed and commissioned a 20-tons/hour rotary ring hearth reheating furnace, robotic manipulator, high-pressure descale system and 20-tons/hour walking-beam normalize/temper furnaces. In addition, Can-Eng provided the Level II automation for the line, numerous in-line conveyors and walking-beam cooling beds.

The plant is designed for the heating, forging and heat treatment of double-length railway axles destined for domestic and global markets. The facility is located on a greenfield site in Paragould, Ark.