Consolidated Grain and Barge Co (CGB) has broken ground on a US$47 million expansion at Ports of Indiana-Mount Vernon, USA, the largest investment at the state’s largest port in more than 20 years, designed to triple the facility’s soybean handling capacity.
The project includes new grain storage and truck unloading facilities, as well as a conveyor system to transfer grain between multiple sites at the port. Construction is expected to be completed in 2027.
“CGB has been a long-standing leader in Indiana agriculture, and this investment at Ports of Indiana-Mount Vernon strengthens two of our greatest assets – world-class infrastructure and a leading agriculture economy,” said Indiana Governor Mike Braun. “Expanding CGB’s port facilities helps Hoosier farmers move crops more efficiently to global markets, supports rural communities, and reinforces Indiana’s leadership in agriculture and trade.”
Expansion details
CGB currently processes approximately 50 million bushels of soybeans (1 bushel = 27.2155 kg) annually at Mount Vernon, producing soybean oil, meal and soy hulls shipped to livestock producers and food companies worldwide. The expansion will increase storage volume by 4.25 million bushels and boost truck unloading capacity by 200 percent.
CGB’s soybean volume at Mount Vernon has increased more than 60 percent over the past decade, driving the need for expanded capacity and improved truck flow. The new unloading system will allow entire truckloads to discharge without repositioning, reducing congestion on port roads, shortening turnaround times and lowering transportation costs for local farmers.
“We strongly value our relationship with the state of Indiana, Ports of Indiana and the Mount Vernon community, and this investment centers on serving our farmers and the local community,” said Tom Malecha, Executive Vice President of CGB Enterprises, Inc. “By improving traffic flow and reducing wait times, CGB is making soybean delivery at Mount Vernon more efficient while positioning the facility for the future.”
Strategic location
Indiana is one of the nation’s leading soybean-producing states. The Mount Vernon port handles approximately 5 million tons (4.536 million metric tonnes) of cargo annually and has connections to five Class I railroads as part of the nation’s busiest inland port district.
CGB, founded in 1969, operates more than 110 grain facilities across the Midwest with integrated barge, rail, and truck transportation capabilities.
