The Superior Telegram's Shelley Nelson reported that CHS Inc. plans to permanently close its grain elevator in Superior, Wisconsin, on Aug. 31, impacting 25 employees. The closure of the largest grain elevator in the Twin Ports reflects a decades-long decline in grain exports from the Port of Duluth-Superior.
Rep. Angela Stroud and Mayor Jim Paine expressed concern for affected workers and the local economy. Paine cited global economic factors and changing shipping routes as reasons for the closure.
Grain exports from the port have fallen from 9.2 million metric tons in 1978 to 794,000 tons in 2024. Factors include shifting markets, reduced ocean-going vessel traffic, and the ongoing war in Ukraine.
The Duluth Seaway Port Authority called the closure "a disappointing blow" but remains hopeful for potential future use of the facility.
