FS GRAIN expands with high-tech grain hub

By Andi Anderson

FS GRAIN has announced plans to enhance and expand its grain elevator facility in St. Anne, Illinois. A key feature of this project is the addition of a state-of-the-art shuttle loader, which will integrate with Class I rail services offered by Union Pacific and CSX railroads.

The upgraded facility aims to transform St. Anne into a multimodal grain hub, offering local farmers greater access to markets in the Southern United States and Mexico. This development is expected to significantly boost opportunities for area farmers, enabling them to connect to broader and more lucrative markets.

“We are excited to partner with Union Pacific and CSX to open these new market opportunities to our farmer customers,” said FS GRAIN General Manager Cory Winstead. “At FS GRAIN, we’re always looking for ways to grow and innovate that give our farmer customers a competitive edge in the global grain market.”

“We appreciate FS GRAIN investing in our railroad for the long term,” said JJ Sullivan, Union Pacific Director - Marketing and Sales. “This facility strengthens our grain origination base in Northeast Illinois and provides additional supply options for Union Pacific grain customers.”

"We are pleased to partner with FS GRAIN to expand its service into St. Anne, Illinois. Our collaboration on the new facility reinforces our commitment to delivering superior service for all our customers. Together, we are driving growth and strengthening the foundation for future success." said CSX Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing Arthur Adams.

The new facility will feature cutting-edge technology and automation to streamline operations. The improvements will speed up grain movement, minimizing loading and unloading times for both trucks and rail cars. The facility is designed with a minimum throughput capacity of 40 million bushels, ensuring efficiency and scalability.

GROWMARK Construction will oversee the project, which is expected to take 18 months to complete. Groundbreaking is slated for late 2024.

FS GRAIN, headquartered in Morris, Illinois, operates 19 locations across Northern Illinois, providing a range of grain services. For more information about FS GRAIN and its services, visit www.FSGRAIN.com.

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