Universal Rail Systems Snapshot
Our Goal is to realize “Operational Excellence” across the Enterprise whereby the execution of our Company’s business strategy is more consistent and reliable than our competition in the marketplace. Becoming “Operationally Excellent” creates more value for our customers, shareholders, and stakeholders by:
• Lowering our operational risk
• Lowering our operating costs
• Enhancing career development opportunities for our employees
• Strengthening employee engagement
• We don’t leave safety or quality to chance. We put it in the hands of our skilled people where it belongs.
• Lowering our operational risk
• Lowering our operating costs
• Enhancing career development opportunities for our employees
• Strengthening employee engagement
• We don’t leave safety or quality to chance. We put it in the hands of our skilled people where it belongs.
We proudly operate a family of Universal companies under the banner of Universal Rail Systems. Each company features a unique specialization, a cross-Canada presence, and a commitment to living and reflecting our overall company values and service-focused philosophy.
Universal Rail Systems reflects a strong group of companies that provide industry-leading solutions and deliver industry-leading results.
• New Track Construction
• Production & Rehabilitation
• Signals & Communications
• Track Protection / Flagging
• Track Inspection & Maintenance
• Materials & Supply
• Operations Support
• Car Inspections and Railcar Repair
• Condor™ Signals and Communications Products
• Ticket Vending Machine Maintenance
• Training Solutions
Each Universal company reflects the Universal Rail Systems brand and operating principles; they work together to deliver integrated, turnkey rail solutions for projects and contracts of all sizes across Canada.
The Universal companies include:
*A&B Rail Services Ltd.
A&B Rail Services is focused on keeping Canada’s railway operators in motion – safely and sustainably. We work coast-to-coast, in every railway sector, and on any size project.
*Great Plains Rail Contractors
Great Plains Rail Contractors is the sure choice for custom, fully-integrated, turnkey railway construction, maintenance, rehabilitation, and production solutions servicing Winnipeg and Canada's Prairie region.
*Universal Signals & Communications
Nothing takes greater precedence for Universal Rail Systems than safety. Universal Signals & Communications is 100 per cent focused on delivering safe, effective and reliable warning and wayside signals and specialty communications. We’re experts by design and necessity, and have the capabilities to integrate our expertise in signals and communications with all aspects of construction, rehabilitation, maintenance and rail switching services.
*Universal Railway Operations
Universal Railway Operations delivers rail-switching and logistics, flagging, and inspection solutions to ensure your trains move safely and expediently.
*Road & Rail Equipment
Road & Rail Equipment enables our people, across the Universal family of companies, to deliver exceptional service. Regardless of the project, our equipment is scheduled, available and in optimal operating condition to give our team members the tools and horsepower they need to get the done job.
*Universal Rail Atlantic
At Universal Rail Atlantic, our priority is keeping Atlantic Canada’s railway operations in motion – safely and sustainably. Universal Rail Atlantic has the specialty equipment, materials, and industry knowledge to deliver quality railway solutions, for any size project across Atlantic Canada. Our commitment is service excellence and exceptional value.
*North American Rail Products
We offer creative cost-effective railroad solutions and a range of rail services to better assist you in building and maintaining your rail system. We leave no stone unturned in our quest to get you the best deals to keep your rail project on budget.
Our Story
A&B Rail Services was formed in British Columbia, Canada by ambitious entrepreneurs with an interest in railway track maintenance and construction. From humble beginnings, with a steadfast commitment to quality and safety, A&B Rail Services quickly gained a reputation in Western Canada as a trusted maintenance-of-way partner.
Following a relocation to Edmonton, Alberta and not content with the status quo, the owners continued to expand their geographic reach, first with the acquisition of Great Plains Rail Contractors in Manitoba and then OWS Railroad Construction & Maintenance in Ontario. The addition of operations in Atlantic Canada shortly ensued and the result was a supplier with coverage from coast to coast an ever-expanding service offering!
Today Universal Rail Systems is Canada’s largest and most comprehensive supplier of outsourced track construction & maintenance services. Headquartered in Edmonton, Alberta, with operations across Canada, we employ over 1,200 experienced and dedicated employees. Our fleet of specialized railway equipment is the largest of any supplier in Canada.
In April 2023, Universal Rail Systems was acquired by American Track Services, a leading provider of similar services in the United States, and their private equity partner, DFW Capital (https://dfwcapital.com/).
This bold acquisition resulted in the creation of North American Rail Solutions. The parent company represents the combined aspirations and expertise of both companies as well as a shared culture based on safety and exceptional customer service. North American Rail Solutions stands as one of North America’s largest and most comprehensive construction and maintenance suppliers in the rail sector, enabling its subsidiaries - Universal Rail Systems in Canada and American Track in the US - to serve our clients throughout North America.
Universal Rail Systems reflects a strong group of companies that provide industry-leading solutions and deliver industry-leading results.
• New Track Construction
• Production & Rehabilitation
• Signals & Communications
• Track Protection / Flagging
• Track Inspection & Maintenance
• Materials & Supply
• Operations Support
• Car Inspections and Railcar Repair
• Condor™ Signals and Communications Products
• Ticket Vending Machine Maintenance
• Training Solutions
Each Universal company reflects the Universal Rail Systems brand and operating principles; they work together to deliver integrated, turnkey rail solutions for projects and contracts of all sizes across Canada.
The Universal companies include:
*A&B Rail Services Ltd.
A&B Rail Services is focused on keeping Canada’s railway operators in motion – safely and sustainably. We work coast-to-coast, in every railway sector, and on any size project.
*Great Plains Rail Contractors
Great Plains Rail Contractors is the sure choice for custom, fully-integrated, turnkey railway construction, maintenance, rehabilitation, and production solutions servicing Winnipeg and Canada's Prairie region.
*Universal Signals & Communications
Nothing takes greater precedence for Universal Rail Systems than safety. Universal Signals & Communications is 100 per cent focused on delivering safe, effective and reliable warning and wayside signals and specialty communications. We’re experts by design and necessity, and have the capabilities to integrate our expertise in signals and communications with all aspects of construction, rehabilitation, maintenance and rail switching services.
*Universal Railway Operations
Universal Railway Operations delivers rail-switching and logistics, flagging, and inspection solutions to ensure your trains move safely and expediently.
*Road & Rail Equipment
Road & Rail Equipment enables our people, across the Universal family of companies, to deliver exceptional service. Regardless of the project, our equipment is scheduled, available and in optimal operating condition to give our team members the tools and horsepower they need to get the done job.
*Universal Rail Atlantic
At Universal Rail Atlantic, our priority is keeping Atlantic Canada’s railway operations in motion – safely and sustainably. Universal Rail Atlantic has the specialty equipment, materials, and industry knowledge to deliver quality railway solutions, for any size project across Atlantic Canada. Our commitment is service excellence and exceptional value.
*North American Rail Products
We offer creative cost-effective railroad solutions and a range of rail services to better assist you in building and maintaining your rail system. We leave no stone unturned in our quest to get you the best deals to keep your rail project on budget.
Our Story
A&B Rail Services was formed in British Columbia, Canada by ambitious entrepreneurs with an interest in railway track maintenance and construction. From humble beginnings, with a steadfast commitment to quality and safety, A&B Rail Services quickly gained a reputation in Western Canada as a trusted maintenance-of-way partner.
Following a relocation to Edmonton, Alberta and not content with the status quo, the owners continued to expand their geographic reach, first with the acquisition of Great Plains Rail Contractors in Manitoba and then OWS Railroad Construction & Maintenance in Ontario. The addition of operations in Atlantic Canada shortly ensued and the result was a supplier with coverage from coast to coast an ever-expanding service offering!
Today Universal Rail Systems is Canada’s largest and most comprehensive supplier of outsourced track construction & maintenance services. Headquartered in Edmonton, Alberta, with operations across Canada, we employ over 1,200 experienced and dedicated employees. Our fleet of specialized railway equipment is the largest of any supplier in Canada.
In April 2023, Universal Rail Systems was acquired by American Track Services, a leading provider of similar services in the United States, and their private equity partner, DFW Capital (https://dfwcapital.com/).
This bold acquisition resulted in the creation of North American Rail Solutions. The parent company represents the combined aspirations and expertise of both companies as well as a shared culture based on safety and exceptional customer service. North American Rail Solutions stands as one of North America’s largest and most comprehensive construction and maintenance suppliers in the rail sector, enabling its subsidiaries - Universal Rail Systems in Canada and American Track in the US - to serve our clients throughout North America.
