BNSF Railway announced this week that its customers invested more than $4.2 billion in new or expanded facilities along its network in 2024, creating over 1,000 new jobs in local communities. This marks the largest investment by BNSF customers and local economic development organizations in the past six years.
Chris Danos, assistant vice president of economic development at BNSF, emphasized the importance of collaboration, stating, "Partnering closely with our customers to develop tailor-made rail solutions is important to us. Doing so optimizes our supply chains and helps drive long-term growth."
Key investments highlighted by BNSF include:
CJ Logistics America's $457 million expansion near BNSF Logistics Park Chicago, constructing a 1.1 million square foot warehouse expected to create 170 new jobs.
Hudson Asphalt Terminal LLC's $25 million investment in an asphalt storage and distribution facility at BNSF's Logistics Center in Hudson, Colorado, creating 10 jobs and improving regional infrastructure.
Bakersfield Renewable Fuels' acquisition and repurposing of a former petroleum refinery in Bakersfield, California, for renewable diesel production, with significant rail infrastructure enhancements.
These developments support various intermodal, industrial, and agricultural commodities across the BNSF network. The railway provider reports that the investments span multiple communities and industries, reflecting a broad-based economic impact.
Danos added, "At BNSF, we're committed to delivering sustainable solutions for our customers that enhance efficiency, reduce logistics costs, and meet the evolving demands of the transportation industry."
