Polycorp acquires Iron Horse Engineering to expand rail technologies, strengthen embedded track solutions, and deliver integrated, cost-effective innovations worldwide.
Polycorp, a prominent producer of advanced engineered elastomer solutions and a portfolio company of Arsenal Capital Partners, has announced the acquisition of Iron Horse Engineering Company, a well-established innovator best known for its pioneering work in rail boot and embedded track systems. The acquisition represents a significant strategic step for Polycorp as it continues to expand and deepen its presence in the global rail infrastructure market.
Established in 1987, Iron Horse Engineering has built a strong reputation within the rail industry as a technical trailblazer. The company is widely recognized as the inventor of the original rail boot, a solution that has since become a critical component in many embedded track and vibration-mitigation applications. Over the decades, Iron Horse Engineering has consistently focused on delivering durable, field-tested products that address the demanding performance requirements of both light and heavy rail environments. Its success has been driven by a combination of practical engineering expertise, in-house design capabilities, and a deep understanding of real-world operating conditions.
Iron Horse Engineering’s leadership in embedded track technology has enabled it to offer cost-effective solutions that help rail operators and project owners reduce long-term maintenance needs and overall lifecycle costs. By pairing innovative product design with proven installation performance, the company has become a trusted partner on complex rail projects where reliability, longevity, and safety are critical considerations.
The transaction brings together two highly respected organizations that share a strong commitment to innovation, engineering excellence, and customer-centric problem solving. Polycorp and Iron Horse Engineering offer complementary technologies and product portfolios, and their combination significantly broadens the range of rail solutions available to clients. In addition, the acquisition extends Polycorp’s geographic footprint and enhances its ability to support customers across a wider range of markets and project types.
Through this strategic alignment, rail clients are expected to benefit from expanded product choices, improved access to technical expertise, and stronger project design and engineering support. The combined organization will be better positioned to deliver integrated rail solutions that address vibration control, noise reduction, durability, and long-term asset performance, while maintaining a focus on reducing total cost of ownership for infrastructure owners.
Commenting on the acquisition, Andrew Thompson, Chief Executive Officer of Polycorp, described the transaction as a key milestone in the company’s growth strategy. He noted that the integration of technologies, customer relationships, and product portfolios further reinforces Polycorp’s long-standing commitment to serving the rail industry and advancing innovation across both light and heavy rail applications.
Tracie Roberts, Chief Executive Officer of Iron Horse Engineering, highlighted the opportunities created by joining Polycorp. She emphasized that the partnership opens a new chapter for both the Iron Horse team and its customers, enabling the delivery of enhanced value through shared resources, broader capabilities, and a unified vision for rail infrastructure solutions.
Polycorp has confirmed that it is fully committed to ensuring a smooth and seamless transition for customers, project partners, and employees. All existing operations, contracts, and service agreements will remain in place, and customers can expect uninterrupted service. With the combined strengths of both organizations, Polycorp aims to further elevate the level of support, reliability, and innovation available to rail clients worldwide.
