The investment is spread across 44 projects in 16 states that are expected to generate more than 700 new jobs and add 82,000-plus carloads, according to G&W. While most projects are in the agriculture, chemical, and minerals and stone sectors, G&W’s short line and regional railroads assisted in bringing projects on line for such industries as auto, food, and lumber, the company reported Jan. 14.
Highlights include:
- New facilities have opened for soybean processor and biodiesel manufacturer Incobrasa Industries in Illinois, aggregate construction materials company BURNCO in Texas, and grain and feed byproduct merchant Penny Newman Grain in Georgia, as well as an expansion for soybean processor Ag Processing Inc. (AGP) in Washington.
- Several projects, including one along G&W’s Central Oregon & Pacific Railroad in Oregon, also involved the establishment of rail-to-truck transloading sites, which G&W said is “an increasingly growing way for bulk commodity shippers to take advantage of rail economics for first- and last-mile delivery while using truck for longer-haul portions of their transportation.”
“Incobrasa Industries’ $400 million expansion represents a bold commitment to innovation and sustainability in the agricultural and energy sectors,” said Aluizio Ribeiro, CEO of Incobrasa Industries. “G&W’s Toledo, Peoria & Western Railway and Illinois & Midland Railroad are integral to this growth, providing the critical infrastructure to move more product efficiently and connect global markets. This partnership exemplifies how strategic investments in rail unlocks economic opportunity and strengthens supply chains for decades to come.”
“We greatly valued the opportunity to collaborate with G&W’s Dallas, Garland & Northeastern Railroad on the development of our new facility in Trenton, Tex.,” BURNCO CEO Tom Zais said. “Both of our organizations share similar attributes of professionalism, industry expertise and commitment to operational excellence. This new location represents another growth milestone in our rich 113-year history and will play a significant role in supporting our strategic plan in the region.”
“G&W’s Georgia Southwestern Railroad has been a great partner to Penny Newman Grain throughout the development of our new cottonseed unit train facility in Bainbridge, Ga.,” commented Todd Parker, Director of Cottonseed Merchandising for Penny Newman Grain. “Their professionalism, reliability and commitment to supporting our logistical needs made this project a success from start to finish.”
Leonard Barnes, Executive Director of the Port of Grays Harbor, which handles export soybean meal from AGP, noted: “This is a transformative time at the Port and the $200 million-plus terminal expansion we’re undertaking will significantly enhance AGP’s export capabilities and add capacity to support auto shipments. We deeply value our partnership with G&W and its Puget Sound & Pacific Railroad. They make it easy to do business, and their collaboration is instrumental in delivering improvements.”
“Industrial development projects are a key component of our growth strategy,” G&W CEO Michael Miller summed up, “and whether customers are constructing new plants, expanding existing facilities or even re-opening shuttered sites, the recent projects along our footprint demonstrate that they view rail transportation as critical to their success. Customers recognize the safety, efficiency and economic benefits of using rail to transport their raw materials or finished goods, and they trust G&W railroads to meet their needs and grow alongside them.”
G&W provides current and prospective customers a database of more than 700 industrial development parks and sites along the company’s railroads.
