Industrial Development Briefs: Abitibi Connex, Patriot Rail
Abitibi Connex
Locomotive DESX 1305, last used in Iroquois Falls in 2014 by Resolute Forest Products, is now part of Abitibi Connex’s growing multimodal logistics operations. Located along major northern shipping routes and offering direct rail access, Abitibi Connex, which officially launched in July 2025 and is owned by Iroquois Falls Development Inc., a subsidiary of the BMI Group, serves as a logistics hub for organizations operating in the natural resources, agriculture, and food sectors.
With its own locomotive, Abitibi Connex can support complex road-to-rail transloading operations, “improving the movement of equipment and materials to northern and remote communities.” In the present term, the locomotive will support Pinnacle Logistics Solutions Ltd., pulling nearly 3,000 railcars over the course of a multi-year contract with Pomerleau for the Weeneebayko Area Health Authority (WAHA) redevelopment project, serving Moosonee and Moose Cree First Nations.
Rail operations on site will be managed by NPS Connex, a full-stack multimodal logistics company and a subsidiary of BMI Group.
The locomotive’s return, Abitibi Connex says, has been welcomed by the community “as a visible sign of renewed industrial activity.”
“For communities like Iroquois Falls, access to short-line rail is critical. Without it, participation in the broader supply chain becomes extremely challenging,” said Iroquois Falls Mayor Tory Delaurier.
The return of rail service was made possible through extensive infrastructure repairs completed by Ontario Northland. In October 2025, Ontario Northland finalized upgrades to the 9.89-kilometer (6.14-mile) rail line from Porquis Junction to Iroquois Falls and will continue providing rail service between Abitibi Connex and the main line.
“Ontario Northland is pleased to restore service along this corridor, reconnecting Iroquois Falls to our rail network,” said Ontario Northland CEO Chad Evans. “We have a long history of supporting economic growth throughout the region and we look forward to continuing to provide safe, reliable transportation services to businesses and communities for years to come.”
In parallel with restarting rail operations, Abitibi Connex says it is working with Ontario Northland to continue rail safety awareness in the community throughout the year.
“Stop, look, listen. We want everyone—especially young people—to understand how to stay safe around rail infrastructure,” said Abitibi Connex Operation Manager Mike Koteles. “Active rail operations have not been top of mind for the community for many years, so we are working diligently to ensure everyone is prepared.”
The Abitibi Connex locomotive, DESX 1305, has attracted attention from rail enthusiasts, according to the company. Estimated to have been manufactured in the late 1940s or early 1950s, the engine has appeared on multiple rail fan platforms, reflecting both its history and its renewed purpose.
“The reinstallation of short-line rail access at the Abitibi Industrial Site marks a critical milestone in advancing long-term Northern development,” said George Pirie, Minister of Northern Economic Development and Growth. “This goes beyond moving goods, it is about showing the world that Northern Ontario is competitive and ready for business.”
Patriot Rail
Over the holidays, Patriot Rail welcomed the first railcars into the brand-new Manila, Colo.-based Rocky Mountain Rail Park, “marking a major milestone as inventory build-out gets under way,” the company said in a LinkedIn post.
“We’re also excited to announce that Hydra Transload is now fully operational, ready to support transload and rail service needs throughout the Denver region,” Patriot Rail added.
