Zhengzhou ZongXiang Heavy Industry Co., Ltd., a leading Chinese manufacturer of railway fastening systems, has successfully exported a large batch of rail fishplates to Malaysia, marking another milestone in its growing international presence. The shipment, comprising over 5,000 units of premium-grade fishplates, departed from Zhengzhou on October 20, 2025, bound for Port Klang, Malaysia’s primary maritime gateway.

Rail fishplates, also known as joint bars, are critical components in railway track infrastructure. They connect two rail sections end-to-end, ensuring structural integrity, load distribution, and smooth train passage. ZongXiang’s exported fishplates are manufactured to stringent international standards, including AREMA, UIC, and BS, making them compatible with Malaysia’s mixed-gauge railway network, which includes meter-gauge and standard-gauge lines.

The order was placed by a major Malaysian rail infrastructure contractor involved in the ongoing upgrading of the KTM (Keretapi Tanah Melayu) network, particularly along the Gemas–Johor Bahru electrified double-track project. This initiative aims to enhance freight and passenger capacity between southern Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore. The fishplates will be installed in high-traffic segments requiring durable, corrosion-resistant jointing solutions.

Each fishplate in the batch is forged from high-carbon steel (Grade 55#) with a tensile strength exceeding 900 MPa. They undergo hot forging, precision machining, and anti-corrosion treatment using zinc-rich epoxy coating, ensuring longevity in Malaysia’s tropical climate characterized by high humidity and heavy rainfall. The products also feature pre-drilled bolt holes with chamfered edges to prevent stress concentration, reducing the risk of rail joint failure under dynamic loads.

ZongXiang’s quality assurance process played a pivotal role in securing the contract. The company provided third-party inspection reports from SGS, verifying dimensional accuracy, material composition, and mechanical properties. Samples passed rigorous fatigue and pull-apart tests simulating 10 million gross tons of rail traffic—equivalent to over 15 years of heavy freight use.

Logistically, the export adhered to Incoterms 2020 CFR (Cost and Freight) terms. ZongXiang coordinated with COSCO Shipping for containerized transport, ensuring secure packing in wooden crates with anti-rust VCI (volatile corrosion inhibitor) film. The shipment included detailed installation manuals in English and Bahasa Malaysia, along with traceability codes for post-delivery audits.

This export underscores ZongXiang’s strategic focus on Southeast Asia, a region experiencing robust railway development. Malaysia’s Rail Industry Roadmap 2021–2030 targets 40% electrification and double-tracking of key corridors by 2030. ZongXiang has positioned itself as a reliable supplier by offering competitive pricing, short lead times (45 days for this batch), and customization options—such as non-standard hole patterns for legacy rail profiles.

The deal also highlights growing China–Malaysia economic synergy under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Since 2013, Chinese firms have contributed technical expertise and components to projects like the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL), fostering technology transfer and local job creation. ZongXiang’s export supports this framework while meeting Malaysia’s Bumiputera procurement preferences through partnerships with local distributors.

Customer feedback has been positive. The Malaysian contractor praised ZongXiang’s responsiveness during the tender phase, particularly in addressing concerns about galvanic corrosion in coastal areas. Future orders are under discussion for insulated fishplates used in electrified tracks.

With this shipment, ZongXiang reinforces its reputation for delivering mission-critical railway components on time and to specification. The company now supplies over 30 countries, with rail fishplates forming 40% of its export revenue. As Malaysia accelerates its rail modernization, ZongXiang is well-positioned to support the nation’s vision of a safe, efficient, and sustainable transport backbone.