Grower cooperative CBH Group has marked the 50 millionth tonne of grain moved on its rail fleet since in acquired its own locomotives and wagons in 2012.
The milestone was reached as CBH’s receival network continued to take in crops from what is now the second largest Western Australian crop on record – a stark contrast from what’s going on in the East.
CBH purchased 22 locos and 574 wagons in 2012, at a cost of $175 million. Since, the cooperative says the fleet has delivered greater value, efficiency, and safety to grain growers and the grain industry.
CBH’s acting general manager for operations Ben Raisbeck used the milestone to highlight the cooperative’s ongoing fight for improved rail access conditions.
“Our decision to invest in rail has benefited our growers, however we must continue to manage freight costs and limit rail access price rises which directly impact the international competitiveness of Western Australia’s grain industry,” he said.
“We’re proud to have reached the 50 million tonne milestone, and thank our employees and partners, including rail operator Watco Companies, for contributing to the success of our supply chain during this time.”
Watco has a 10-year contract to operate CBH’s rail grain freight service.