DENVER – A managed affiliate of OmniTRAX, Inc., one of the largest privately held transportation service companies in North America and an affiliate of The Broe Group, and Topflight Grain Cooperative, Inc. are entering into a joint venture to operate, drive business to and rehabilitate the rail line currently owned by Topflight Grain. OmniTRAX will manage the newly renamed Decatur Central Railroad, LLC, which links Cisco and Decatur, IL, commencing in late 2016. Terms were not disclosed.
“The Decatur Central Railroad is a great opportunity for OmniTRAX due to strong existing commodity flows, real-estate driven expansion prospects and the potential to add new diversified business. We’re also very excited to work with the Topflight and Midwest Inland Port teams, and to be a part of the Decatur business community,” said Kevin Shuba, CEO of OmniTRAX.
“We see a lot of opportunity on the rail line for improved performance and expansion. OmniTRAX has had great success with their other railroads and industrial parks, and we look forward to working with them to grow the business here for years to come,” said Scott Docherty, CEO/General Manager of Topflight Grain Cooperative.
The Decatur Central Railroad will transport grain from Topflight Coop members to the plants of ADM, Tate & Lyle and other processing companies in and around Macon County. The line, which interchanges with CN just north of Decatur, is integral to the growth plans of the Midwest Inland Port. A division by the Economic Development Corporation of Decatur & Macon County, the Midwest Inland Port is a multi-modal hub in Decatur that delivers domestic and international logistics flexibility through a well-positioned transportation corridor connecting the Midwest with the East, West and Gulf Coasts.
“OmniTRAX has a great track record of developing businesses that grow regional economies and create new jobs, and Topflight is a key agriculture player in Central Illinois. We look forward to working with them to help the Midwest Inland Port reach its full potential,” said EDC President Ryan McCrady.