35 Years on Track: The Story of ARM/GRNA
In 2025, Global Rail North America (formerly ARM) celebrates its 35-year anniversary. A milestone that gives us a chance to look back at how it all began, the projects that shaped it, and the people who made it happen.
The idea that started it all
When Gordon Bachinsky founded ARM (Advanced Rail Management) in 1990, the goal was clear: to combine technical expertise with hands-on support to help rail operators keep their systems running safely and efficiently. Back then, he became aware of a significant issue in the rail industry that needed to be addressed. There were consulting companies, as well as companies executing the recommendations, but none that combined both. According to Bachinsky, this presented a noticeable gap.
In order for recommendations to be implemented efficiently, and for information to be created so that railways would have a better understanding of ongoing improvements in performance and safety, it was crucial to offer a service that could do both. Out of this realization ARM was born – a company that provided a combination of engineering and consulting services, along with the implementation of recommendations.
The wheel/rail interface was the main focus, an area that lacked understanding at the time, as well as a service offering that could implement improvements. To this day, this unique blend of expertise remains ARM/GRNA’s selling point – no other company does it as well.
Small teams, big challenges and a lot of learning
The early days were full of small teams and big challenges, each project requiring a “figure-it-out-as-we-go” mindset. Yet every success, from completing a measurement survey to solving a tricky maintenance issue, was celebrated as a win. Since 1990, ARM has supported passenger and freight rail systems across the United States and Canada, building a reputation as a trusted provider of turnkey services for rail and wheel maintenance and optimization.
By combining a strong understanding of wheel-rail interaction with practical, hands-on field experience, the team has delivered consulting engineering and on-site support to many major rail transit systems throughout North America.
The first major project ARM secured became more than ten years’ worth of work on Illinois Central Railroad, a Class I railway at the time. The team provided a combination of contract and consulting services that made a major impact on the railway’s ability to perform more efficiently and safely. This tremendous success was achieved by fully understanding both the vehicle and the track, studying their dynamic relationship, implementing a strategy, and finally providing services to implement the recommended design within the realm of the wheel/rail interface.
A small vehicle with a big impact
The implementation of optimized rail profiles, known as preventive rail grinding, also played a significant role. It was during this time that ARM designed the ORMV 1, the company’s first optical rail measurement vehicle and one of the first of its kind. Its development involved a combination of consulting and engineering expertise, software development knowledge, and an understanding of how everything would be utilized in the field to record rail conditions and guide rail grinding machines in implementing the strategy.
A small vehicle, but a big step for the company: it proved that ARM’s practical approach worked in the field and laid the foundation for everything that came after.
From why to when can you start
As more projects came in and the team grew, ARM expanded its services and strengthened its reputation as a reliable, practical partner. Growth wasn’t rushed—the focus remained on doing the work right and helping clients succeed.
Despite the success, Bachinsky vividly remembers the challenge of convincing the market of the need for such a service: “You have to keep in mind, there was no other company providing this. We would go to transit systems or railways asking to be hired.” The motivation was strong, but so was the scepticism. ARM’s services wouldn’t simply replace someone else’s – they were a novelty.
Over time, the company began building a track record of success stories, with clients acknowledging that this approach worked and that their challenges were being effectively addressed. “We did something that worked, and I feel pretty good about that.”
Moving forward, ARM achieved many important milestones, including delivering complex projects on tight schedules and earning certifications and industry recognition. Each step built on the last, guided by a simple principle: solve problems, learn as we go, and keep clients running smoothly.
Joining forces with Global Rail Group
A major turning point came when ARM joined the Global Rail Group, becoming Global Rail North America (GRNA). This integration combined ARM’s local expertise with Global Rail Group’s international network, opening the door to new collaborations, services, and markets – all while ensuring clients continued to receive the same reliable, hands-on support they had come to expect.
One early GRNA project involved coordinating work across two continents. It wasn’t without its challenges, but the team’s collaboration and practical problem-solving made it a success – a perfect example of what the combined network can achieve.
Same mission 35 years later
Today, Global Rail North America continues to support rail operators across North America and beyond. From consulting and technical analysis to field measurement, maintenance planning, and asset management, it blends technical expertise with practical, field-tested solutions. Clients know that when they work with Global Rail North America, they’re working with people who understand both the rail network and the people who keep it running.
Looking ahead, the future is full of opportunities. Integration with Global Rail Group allows Global Rail North America to expand services, reach new clients, provide more training, and continue delivering solutions that make rail systems safer, more efficient, and more sustainable.
“It is very clear that the initial uniqueness of our company still exists – no one else offers this combination of consulting and engineering expertise in the wheel/rail interface, deep technical knowledge, and complementary contract services to implement recommendations,” Bachinsky concludes.
While much has changed in 35 years, the mission remains the same: practical, reliable support for the rail industry, grounded in experience, expertise, and collaboration.
Reflecting on this milestone, Global Rail Group CEO Gabrielle Costigan adds: “Looking back at 35 years of ARM and GRNA, it’s inspiring to see the foundation Gordon built with his vision and deep expertise. Today we look forward to expanding our services, supporting new clients and building on his legacy to make rail systems safer, more efficient, and sustainable across North America and beyond.”
