Progress Rail and Triton Group Partner to Supply Composite Ties that Improve Track Reliability, Reduce Environmental Impact, and Cut Lifecycle Costs

April 6, 2026

ALBERTVILLE, Ala. — Progress Rail, a Caterpillar company, has entered into an agreement with Triton Group for the supply of composite railroad ties designed to reduce maintenance costs, extend service life, and support sustainability goals in the rail industry’s demanding operating environments. Under the agreement, Progress Rail becomes the exclusive seller and marketer of Triton’s composite tie technology, combining Triton’s materials expertise with Progress Rail’s engineering capabilities and global reach.

Triton’s composite ties are engineered for high decay, high load, and high humidity regions where wood deteriorates more quickly and disruptions are costly. Their moisture resistant polymer matrix and glass fiber reinforcement maintain strength and dimensional stability, helping railroads reduce unplanned downtime and improve track availability.

“Our customers count on us to deliver infrastructure solutions that lower total cost of ownership,” said Sam Doerr, executive vice president of infrastructure at Progress Rail. “Triton offers a leading composite tie backed by strong performance, predictable installation, and cost advantages. Adding this solution to our portfolio helps our rail customers extend maintenance cycles, improve network reliability, and advance long-term sustainability commitments.”

Each Triton tie incorporates roughly 160 pounds of recycled plastic, diverting waste from landfills. The ties provide an alternative to creosote treated wood and support circularity through Triton’s engineered feedstocks, which preserve glass fiber integrity for enhanced strength and longevity. Triton ties are fully compatible with existing track installation and maintenance equipment.

Progress Rail evaluated multiple composite tie options over the years, reviewing field performance, stress behavior, installation compatibility, and manufacturing readiness. The analysis shows Triton’s ties deliver longer service life in wet, warm and termite-prone environments while maintaining gauge integrity. Triton’s vertically integrated recycling process also provides feedstock stability for large-scale production.

“We are honored that Progress Rail has chosen to represent the Triton tie,” said Greg Janson, chief executive officer of Triton Group. “Progress Rail’s technical credibility and global footprint will accelerate the adoption of composite infrastructure solutions that are stronger, cleaner, and built for long-term value.”

Progress Rail and Triton will jointly support railroads through site evaluations, pilot installations, engineering reviews, and full-scale deployment strategies tailored to climate and load conditions. This approach ensures railroads adopt composite ties where the return on investment is clear and measurable. 

By combining Progress Rail’s engineering leadership with Triton’s materials platform, the companies are delivering a next-generation tie solution that improves reliability, strengthens sustainability, and reduces lifecycle costs.

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About Progress Rail 

Progress Rail is a wholly owned subsidiary of Caterpillar Inc. and a leading provider of rolling stock, infrastructure and advanced technologies for global rail customers. The company delivers EMD® locomotives and engines, trackwork, signaling, fasteners, and comprehensive locomotive and freight car services, along with aftermarket parts and recycling. Its technology portfolio includes data analytics, automation, connected assets, predictive maintenance and yard optimization tools. With support from Caterpillar and a network of nearly 150 locations worldwide, Progress Rail delivers innovative, reliable solutions to the rail industry. Learn more at progressrail.com.

About Triton Group

Triton Group is an integrated recycling and advanced materials company, transforming postconsumer plastics into high value, infrastructure grade products. Through vertically integrated processing, Triton converts mixed plastic streams into engineered feedstocks and composite materials that replace traditional materials such as wood, steel, and concrete. Triton is built on a simple belief: circularity succeeds when strong, stable, and responsible end markets exist.

Media Contact  
Progress Rail Corporate Communications  
Amy Everett: aeverett@progressrail.com, +1 (256) 505-6749