Axion Announces Formal Completion of Prototype Next-Generation Composite Military Bridges
BASKING RIDGE, N.J.-(Business Wire)-September 15, 2009 - Axion International Holdings, Inc. (OTCBB:AXIH), a next-generation technology innovator utilizing recycled plastic for high load industrial products, has just completed the construction of two 100% recycled plastic bridges for the US Army. The eco-friendly structural building materials used in the bridges have been specifically engineered to allow for the crossing of armored military vehicles.
The bridges were commissioned by the military and built at Fort Bragg, NC in order to help facilitate troop movements which were becoming more difficult using wooden bridges with substantially less load/weight capacity. Axion’s bridges are less expensive to maintain and are engineered to carry the extreme tonnage requirements for armored military vehicles that would simply not be possible with similar wooden bridges.
Constructed from 100% recycled high load plastic, Axion’s two bridges transform waste products that would otherwise be land filled, they resist rot and damaging insects without the use of chemical treatments and require minimal maintenance throughout their lifecycles. In addition, Axion’s initial construction costs are similar to timber bridges, and they have a life expectancy of 50 years.
“The military provides a compelling validator for Axion’s high-growth business model and our cutting-edge technology,” said James Kerstein, Chief Executive Officer. “Not only are Axion’s bridges eco-friendly, they are superior in their structural properties and remarkably cost-effective. We strongly believe the success of these prototypes will lead to significantly more business from the military.”
To date, recycled plastic has mainly been used in non-structural or low-stress applications such as park benches, picnic tables, and residential decking. With Axion’s patented technology, structural-grade reinforced plastic building materials are an emerging technology for use in load-bearing construction. These plastic designs do not contain any wood material and are inherently resistant to rot and attack by insects without the need for chemical treatments. Innovative plastic I-beam components were used to support the heavy loads and to provide a design that is cost-competitive to a treated-wood bridge designed to carry the same load.
“Already used by the US Army, Axion’s technology is ready to go mainstream, and I believe structural engineers and environmentally conscious individuals across the nation would agree it’s about time to fix America’s aging infrastructure with a superior product that’s considerably better for the environment,” continued Mr. Kerstein. “It is estimated to cost an astonishing $279 billion to repair every structurally deficient and obsolete bridge in the United States today. Even if our technology was utilized in only a fraction of these cases, our growth potential would be extraordinary.”
The construction of the plastic bridges at Fort Bragg utilized approximately 84,828 pounds of recycled plastic including the equivalent 508,968 one gallon milk jugs and juice containers. To promote green technology and take advantage of the sizable long-term cost savings, the US Army announced that a third bridge has been planned at Fort Bragg (as mentioned in a Public Works Digest article published for the months of July / August 2009).
Utilizing virtually 100% recycled plastics, Axion′s structural products have the distinct advantage of not only being environmentally friendly, but also providing its clients with building materials of superior quality and life expectancy. Current structural applications include: railroad crossties, bridge infrastructure, marine pilings and bulk heading. Developed in conjunction with scientists at Rutgers University, Axion’s patented process transforms recycled consumer and industrial plastics into a myriad of structural products that are ideal replacements for last-generation materials, such as wood, steel or concrete.
About Axion International
Axion International is a leading structural solution provider of cost-effective alternative infrastructure and building products. The Company’s "green" proprietary technologies allow for the development and manufacture of innovative structural products made from 100% recycled consumer and industrial plastics. Axion's up-cycled products are an economic and sustainable alternative to traditional building materials such as wood, steel or concrete. Developed in collaboration with scientists at Rutgers University, Axion's patented technologies allow for products that are extremely strong, durable, flexible in design, and low maintenance.
For comprehensive investor relations material, including fact sheets, research reports, interviews and video, please follow the appropriate link: Investor Relations Portal, Research Report and Overview Video
For additional information, please visit Axion’s corporate website: www.axionintl.com
Forward-Looking Statements
This release contains "forward-looking statements" for purposes of the Securities and Exchange Commission's "safe harbor" provisions under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and Rule 3b-6 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties that could cause Axion’s actual results to differ materially from those currently anticipated, including the risk factors identified in Axion’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
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