RTA report: Production, purchases rose in April

Crosstie production in April increased 12.2 percent to 2.1 million units, and purchases rose 33 percent to 2.3 million units compared with March levels, according to the Railway Tie Association (RTA).

Compared with year-ago levels, production accelerated 26.9 percent while purchases slipped 1.5 percent. The tie inventory remained steady at 16 million units in April versus March levels, and the inventory-to-sales ratio decreased to 0.70 in April from 0.72 in March.

On a 12-month rolling total basis through April, production (at 22.2 million units) increased from 21.7 million units through March, while purchases rose to 22.7 million units from 22.5 million units through March.