Watco Railroad Company and Great Lakes Central Railroad (GLC) have announced the signing of an agreement to acquire the ownership of GLC. Watco has been an equity investor in the GLC since 2013. Watco will begin operations of the line pending approval by the Surface Transportation Board.
“The Great Lakes Central Railroad has been a vital part of Michigan’s transport network (…). Thanks to our tremendous team, GLC has experienced remarkable growth over the years, strengthening our service and expanding our capabilities. With Watco as a long-time partner since 2013, we are confident they will honor the legacy we have built while continuing to serve Michigan’s industries and communities with the same dedication and excellence,” Jennifer Ferris, the CEO of the Great Lakes Central Railroad, said.
Great Lakes Central Railroad is the largest Class III regional railway company in Michigan with approximately 400 miles (644 km) of track stretching through Central and Northern Michigan. The rail lines run north from Ann Arbor, Michigan, to Cadillac with branches to Thompsonville, Traverse City, and Petoskey. Serving 15 Michigan counties, the GLC interchanges with the CSXT, Mid-Michigan Railroad, Huron and Eastern Railway, Canadian National, and Watco’s Ann Arbor Railroad which provides connectivity to Norfolk Southern. The GLC transports a diverse range of commodities including soybeans, corn, and other agricultural products, fertilizers, plastics, and LPG.
“Watco has a long history of working with the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) through its two other short line railways in Michigan. We look forward to growing our strong partnership with Watco in preserving and enhancing critical rail service in Michigan, while providing excellent service to customers along the state-owned rail corridor between Ann Arbor and Northern Michigan,” Peter Anastor, MDOT Office of Rail director, said.
The agreement will enhance Watco’s presence in the state of Michigan, complementing services provided by Watco’s Grand Elk and Ann Arbor rail companies.
“This acquisition allows us to further support and grow our Michigan customer base, and we look forward to continuing the legacy of excellence that the Ferris family has established,” the CEO of Watco, Dan Smith, said.
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