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After a slight lull in July, crosstie production grew 21 percent in August to 2.3 million units, according to the Railway Tie Association’s (RTA) latest crosstie market report. In addition, tie purchases — which had risen sharply the three months prior to August — increased 11 percent to 2.4 million units.

However, inventory measures showed a slight decline in August to 15.7 million units, RTA officials said in the report. The inventory-to-sales ratio last month fell to 0.73, the lowest level in more than two years, they said.

Through 2011’s first eight months, tie production stood at 14.9 million units,46 percent higher than the level reached as of Aug. 31, 2010. Purchases rose 12.4 percent to 15.4 million units.

Meanwhile, 12-month rolling data through August showed purchases totaling 21.4 million units were growing at an annual rate of more than 17 percent, the report states. Production, which had been on a 15-month growth streak, totaled 21.9 million units, projecting at an annual rate of 38 percent.

For more insight on the tie market, follow this link to read an article (“Fit to be tied”) published in Progressive Railroading’s September issue.