News Releases

For release: Immediately Contact: Mike Mitrovich 425-398-1310 or Bruce Harmon 541-754-761

MPL Technology to equip FEC road fleet with flange lube system.
Seattle, WA, February 9, 2004

MPL Technology, announced today that it is equipping Florida East Coast Railroad's entire locomotive fleet its Solidstick™ wheel flange and rail lubricating system. The solid polymer lubricant system is currently being installed on FEC's fleet of road locomotives. Solidstick was developed over ten years by MPL Technology, Inc.. of Seattle. Fuel savings and reduced wheel wear are currently being realized with the system on several short lines and a major Class I railroad.

Gary Griffiths, FEC's vice president & chief mechanical officer, said, “We are installing Solidstick applicators and sticks to help us get reliable fuel and wheel wear savings. We especially like the simplicity of the system.” Michael

Mitrovich, MPL president, said, “MPL Solidstick is a simple, very cost-effective improvement over traditional lubrication methods. The cost of installation is very low while maintenance and operating costs are significantly less that other wheel lubrication systems.”

Solidstick is a patented solid polymer stick that provides lubrication at the precise point where it's needed. It reduces friction in the train on curves and from truck hunting action on tangent track. Development of the Solidstick lube system included rigorous testing at the Transportation Technology Center, Pueblo, CO and operation on short line railroads.

The lubricant is installed on each locomotive at nominal cost with a rapid return on investment. The Solidstick applicator, also patented, is bolted onto existing brackets on the locomotive truck assembly. The polymer stick (the only moving part) is properly aligned and a spring applies enough pressure to apply lubricant to the throat of the flange as the train is underway, transferring the lubricant throughout the train.

“We found several benefits with Solidstick when operating in the rail environment,” Mitrovich added. “Most important is the dramatic fuel savings an ore-hauling short line enjoys, which averaged nearly 12%. Additionally our system is operational over 99% of the time. Savings include significant reduction in flange wear and wheel truing requirements, increased rail life, and reduced reliance on trackside lubricators.”

MPL Technology, founded in 1991, markets solid polymer lubricants to railroads as an alternative to flange spray and grease lubricants. It is also used in industrial applications. Michael Mitrovich introduced solid polymer lubricants to the heavy haul and transit industries in 1986.

Editors note: Photos can be obtained from Bruce Harmon at bruce.m.harmon@comcast.net