Post by : Meena Rani

Photo: X / nytimes

North American Rail Solutions Announces Strategic Combination with ZA Construction

Introduction

A major development has taken place in the railway industry of the USA and Canada. North American Rail Solutions (NARS) has announced a strategic combination with ZA Construction, a company known for rail support services across America. This move is expected to strengthen the design, construction, repair, and maintenance of railway infrastructure across the continent.

With this partnership, customers of both companies—ranging from Class I railroads to short line and industrial operators—will benefit from stronger resources, broader services, and a wider North American reach.

About ZA Construction

ZA Construction was founded in 2010 by Zach Ainsworth in Brandon, Mississippi. Over the years, the company has grown to become a trusted name in outsourced rail support services, offering essential work for customers across different railway sectors.

For more than a decade, ZA has supported Class I railroads, short line operators, and industrial clients, building a reputation for reliability, safety, and efficiency.

Ainsworth shared his excitement about the new chapter, saying that combining with NARS will help ZA serve existing clients while also expanding to new ones. He emphasized that with the resources and network of a much larger company, ZA will now be able to deliver more value and broader services.

About North American Rail Solutions (NARS)

NARS is one of the largest independent providers of railway asset services in North America. With over 45 offices across the USA and Canada, the company has a strong presence and wide experience in delivering rail infrastructure solutions.

NARS provides services for:

• Class I railroads (the biggest freight rail companies in North America)

• Short line railroads (smaller regional or local networks)

• Mass transit systems (city and regional passenger trains)

• Industrial rail customers (factories, ports, and industries that depend on rail)

Its team specializes in track maintenance, inspection, repair, and construction, ensuring safe and efficient operations across the continent.

Why This Combination Matters

The partnership between NARS and ZA Construction is significant for several reasons:

1. Stronger Resources
   With the backing of NARS’ network and financial support, ZA will have access to better equipment, technology, and manpower to handle larger projects.

2. Wider Reach
   NARS already operates across North America. By joining forces, ZA’s local expertise and relationships will combine with NARS’ national presence to serve a much larger market.

3. Improved Safety and Efficiency
   Railroads are the backbone of freight transportation in the USA and Canada. Strengthening maintenance and repair services ensures trains can run safely and on time.

4. Growth Opportunities
   Both companies will now be able to expand services, increase customer bases, and take on more complex projects together.

Leadership Speaks

Zach Ainsworth, founder of ZA, expressed optimism:

• He said the combination will help ZA continue serving existing customers with the same dedication.

• At the same time, ZA will benefit from the financial strength and strategic support of NARS.

• Ainsworth also looked forward to growing the combined business into a leading player in the industry.

Tom Lucario, President and CEO of NARS, praised the ZA team:

• He recognized ZA’s hard work and contribution to keeping the nation’s railroads running safely.

• Lucario said NARS is excited to bring strategic direction, capital, and shared services to help ZA expand further.

• He highlighted the importance of ZA’s role in supporting Class I and short line railroads, which are vital for the economy.

Railroads: A Backbone of North America

To understand the importance of this combination, it is essential to look at the role railroads play.

• In the USA, freight railroads move about 40% of the country’s long-distance freight volume.

• In Canada, railroads are equally critical, carrying millions of tonnes of goods every year, from grain to minerals.

• Railroads connect ports, factories, farms, and cities, making them a lifeline for the economy.

Maintaining this vast network requires constant construction, inspection, and repair. Companies like NARS and ZA are at the heart of this effort, ensuring that the railroads remain reliable and safe.

Opportunities Ahead

This combination creates new opportunities:

• For customers – More reliable service, access to a larger team, and better technology.

• For employees – Workers from both companies may find new career opportunities as the combined business grows.

• For the industry – A stronger player can take on larger projects and set higher standards for safety and efficiency.

By joining forces, NARS and ZA are well-positioned to meet the growing demands of North America’s rail sector.

Future of the Partnership

While the details of the strategic combination are not fully public, it is clear that the move is aimed at long-term growth and stability.

Industry experts believe the partnership will:

• Strengthen rail infrastructure in both the USA and Canada.

• Support the expansion of short line and regional rail networks.

• Provide faster and safer services to industrial customers.

With the rise in demand for rail freight due to e-commerce, energy, and agriculture, companies like NARS and ZA will play a major role in keeping goods moving efficiently.

Conclusion

The combination of North American Rail Solutions and ZA Construction is more than just a business deal. It represents a shared vision for a stronger, safer, and more efficient rail industry in North America.

By combining resources, expertise, and reach, both companies are preparing to deliver greater value to customers and take on the challenges of the future.

This is not only good news for rail operators but also for the wider economy, which depends on railroads every day. As the partnership grows, it will help ensure that the backbone of North American trade—the rail system—remains strong for decades to come.

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