OREANDA-NEWS. BNSF Railway celebrated the opening of a new USD 45 million logistic center in Sweetwater, Texas with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The logistic center, capable of supporting rail, truck and transload services, will accommodate several industries, including agricultural commodities, sand, pipe and aggregate. The BNSF Logistics Center at Sweetwater is located in the northwest side of the city.

BNSF invested USD 28 million to replace existing track and add 40,000 feet of new railroad track at the site. Tenant industries contributed USD 17 million to the project, which will create 15 permanent jobs in Sweetwater.

Ken Becker, executive director, Sweetwater Economic Development, opened the ceremony alongside BNSF's Vann Cunningham, assistant vice president, Economic Development. Texas State Senator Charles Perry, State Representative Susan King, Sweetwater Mayor Jim McKenzie, BNSF assistant vice president of Industrial Products Angela Caddell, and Cape and Son President and CEO Geoff Haney also took part in the ceremony.

The 75-acre site can serve five unique industrial operations, each with its own unique rail access. Rail capabilities include:
* 100-car unit train sand terminal
* 110-car unit train Ag (wheat and cotton seed) terminal
* 90-car unit train aggregate terminal
* A 30-car dimensional transload site
* Expandable BNSF switch yard
* 5,000-foot track expansion by adjacent industry Sweetwater Switching Co LLC for transload

"The completion of this project is another example of BNSF's commitment to industry in the Permian Basin," explained Dave Garin, group vice president, Industrial Products, BNSF. "The BNSF Logistics Center at Sweetwater will serve as a hub for economic activity in the region as the Cline Shale is explored for many years to come."

The design began in 2012; construction was completed in September 2014.