Loram Maintenance of Way
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Railroad maintenance equipment and services |
| Founded | 1954 |
| Founder | Fred C. Mannix |
| Headquarters | Hamel , United States |
Area served | Worldwide |
| Products | Track maintenance machinery and services, rail grinders, ditch digging machines, rail inspection vehicles, Railvac maintenance vehicles |
Loram Maintenance of Way, Inc. is a privately held company specializing in railroad maintenance equipment and services, with its headquarters located in Hamel, Minnesota, United States. Founded in 1954 by Canadian businessman Fred C. Mannix, Loram provides track maintenance solutions and offers specialized machinery for sale or lease to freight, passenger, and transit rail operators across the globe.
Corporate history
Originally founded as a contractor focused on cleaning ballast from railroad track beds, Loram transitioned from manual methods to mechanized equipment capable of cleaning ballast to significant depths, competing with companies such as Speno Rail Services. Early mechanical breakthroughs in the late 1950s included the Mannix Sled and Mannix Plow—innovative tools designed to lift rails and ties to efficiently remove ballast, transforming railbed restoration processes and boosting operational efficiency.
During the 1970s, Loram expanded its services into rail grinding to prolong rail lifespan by eliminating surface flaws caused by heavy traffic and high speeds. Unlike competitors that housed crews onboard their equipment, Loram adopted an off-site crew strategy enabling the use of more compact grinding machinery. Safety measures advanced with the introduction of cabooses equipped for firefighting and later automatic fire suppression systems. The 1986 SX-16 model enhanced capabilities by incorporating grinding functions for switches and frogs, thereby broadening the company’s service range.
The 1990s brought the introduction of the VISTA (Vision Transverse Analyzer) system—a laser-guided computerized technology that optimized grinding profiles while capturing waste metal—improving accuracy and environmental stewardship. The mid-2000s saw the debut of the RG400 rail grinder, which doubled daily grinding output to roughly per day while reducing emissions and enhancing operational safety. Its derivative, the RGI series, was developed for international markets including Colombia, India, Mexico, and Scandinavia.
Around 1987, Loram diversified its product lineup by launching the Badger ditch digging machine—a rail-mounted vehicle capable of excavating drainage ditches up to deep and wide—addressing critical drainage issues essential for maintaining track infrastructure integrity.
From the 1990s onward, Loram has provided sophisticated rail inspection services using modified commercial vehicles outfitted with computerized laser systems. These systems utilize Differential GPS technology to detect rail defects against preset profiles, enabling tailored grinding strategies that optimize maintenance intervals and extend asset longevity. Analysis of extracted metal further supports evaluations of rail performance.
In 2000, Loram introduced Railvac, a maintenance vehicle engineered for cleaning and excavation related to cable trenches, pole footings, railroad crossings, and switches—enhancing its comprehensive suite of railroad maintenance solutions.
Acquisitions
In 2011, Loram expanded by acquiring Tranergy Corporation, a producer of track friction lubricants and related application devices.
In 2014, Loram secured a majority interest in British company Rail Vehicle Engineering Limited (RVEL), headquartered in Derby, England. RVEL was established following the collapse of FM Rail. By July 2016, Loram completed full ownership of RVEL and rebranded it as Loram UK. This entity specializes in maintenance services, overhaul facilities, and operations involving specialized rolling stock.
Current operations
Loram provides track maintenance solutions to Class I and shortline railroads, as well as rapid transit and commuter rail networks across the globe. In 2015, the Railway Supply Institute recognized Loram as a prominent manufacturer and service provider of track maintenance equipment both in North America and internationally. Its machinery is utilized by every Class I railroad in North America, earning a distinguished reputation as the foremost leader in rail grinding technology.
The company offers both leasing and sales options for its machinery, with typical lease agreements spanning approximately five years.
Rail grinding continues to be the cornerstone of Loram's business operations. By 2015, its rail grinding lineup included the RG 400 Series tailored for heavy-duty Class I railroads; the RGI Series configured for overseas markets; the C44 Series engineered to meet clearance and axle load restrictions; the RGS Series specialized for crossings and switch applications; and the L Series, a lightweight grinder designed for rapid transit and specialized rails, capable of being transported on a flatbed truck.
Loram UK
Located in Derby, Loram UK (previously known as RVEL) manages three workshops covering more than dedicated to comprehensive maintenance and overhaul services for traction units and rolling stock.