History

Sperry Rail Service was established in 1928 by Elmer Sperry after he had successfully developed the world's first non-destructive method of detecting internal life-threatening defects in rail. This new technique was based on an electro-magnetic technique called 'Induction'.

Based on the successful application of this technique Elmer Sperry established Sperry Rail Service with the aim of using this new technology to provide a rail inspection service to railway customers throughout the world. Since its inception in 1928 Sperry Rail Service has continued to grow and expand its business activities throughout the world and is now the world's largest and most well-respected rail inspection service provider.

During 1949 the capabilities of the induction inspection system provided by Sperry Rail was further enhanced by the addition of an ultrasonic inspection technique using the now famous Sperry Roller Search Unit (RSU). This technique was originally developed as a complementary technique to the induction system and enhanced the inspection of the rail head while at the same time allowing for the inspection of the web, bolt holes and rail base in the web area. Today it is the Sperry ultrasonic system that is the primary inspection technique (using the Sperry RSU), with the induction system being used as a complementary inspection technique. Over the years the Sperry RSU has been continually enhanced in terms of its defect detection capabilities, operational inspection speed and, more importantly, its rail head coverage. This has culminated in an RSU that detects all the major types of rail defects, inspects at track speeds up to 65mph or 100km/hr and covers well over 98% of the railhead.

Sperry Rail currently provides its mobile rail inspection services on a global basis and operates and maintains a fleet of nearly 200 vehicles. Some of these vehicles are capable of inspecting track at speeds of up to 65mph or 100 km/hr, and covering up to 190miles or 300 km of track per day. Sperry has now inspected well over 12 million miles of track and has found more than 6 million rail defects.

The company works on the principle of developing long-term partnerships with its customers and delivers its integrated approach through a comprehensive service provided by a team of highly qualified and committed employees. Sperry continues to grow as it invests in detection technologies, delivery platforms and its employees.