MOUNT VERNON, Ind. – State, local and Ports of Indiana officials broke ground May 19 on Consolidated Grain and Barge (CGB) Co.’s $47 million expansion at Ports of Indiana-Mount Vernon, marking the largest investment at Indiana’s largest port in more than 20 years.

“CGB has been a long-standing leader in Indiana agriculture, and this investment at Ports of Indiana-Mount Vernon strengthens two of our greatest assets: world-class infrastructure and a leading agriculture economy,” Indiana Gov. Mike Braun said. 

“Expanding CGB’s port facilities helps Hoosier farmers move crops more efficiently to global markets, supports rural communities, and reinforces Indiana’s leadership in agriculture and trade,” he added.

Officials said the project is designed to triple grain handling capacity of CGB’s soybean processing operations at the Ohio River port. Currently, CGB processes approximately 50 million bushels of soybeans annually at Mount Vernon, producing soybean oil, meal and soy hulls that are shipped to livestock producers and food companies around the world.

The expansion includes new grain storage and truck unloading facilities, as well as a conveyor system that transfers grain between multiple sites at the port, officials added. The project will increase the facility’s storage volume by 4.25 million bushels and boost truck unloading capacity by 200 percent. Construction is expected to be completed in 2027.

Officials said Indiana is one of the nation’s leading soybean-producing states, and the Mount Vernon port serves as a major gateway for agricultural exports. The port handles approximately 5 million tons of cargo annually, including grain, soy products, ethanol, fertilizer, steel and project cargo. The 1,200-acre port has connections to five Class I railroads, and is part of the nation’s busiest inland port district.

CGB’s soybean volume at Mount Vernon has increased more than 60 percent over the past decade, driving the need for expanded capacity and improved truck flow, officials said. The new unloading system will allow entire truckloads to discharge without repositioning, reducing congestion on port roads, shortening turnaround times, and lowering transportation costs for local farmers.

Consolidated Grain and Barge Co., a wholly owned subsidiary of CGB Enterprises, Inc., is a diversified agribusiness providing barge, rail and truck access to support domestic and export markets, officials added.

Tom Malecha, CGB Enterprises, Inc., executive vice president, told Farm World the decision to expand the Mount Vernon processing plant has been in the works for some time as part of CGB’s ongoing commitment to invest in facilities that create value for customers and for CGB.

“With our long history at the Ports of Indiana-Mount Vernon and strong ties to the local community, continuing to invest in this facility reflects our priority to effectively serve our producer customers,” he said.

He added, “We strongly value our relationship with the state of Indiana, Ports of Indiana and the Mount Vernon community, and this investment centers on serving our farmers and the local community.”

CGB manages grain merchandising, as well as ethanol and DDG transload facilities at the port. “By improving traffic flow and reducing wait times, CGB is making soybean delivery at Mount Vernon more efficient while positioning the facility for the future,” Malecha said. “This port is an ideal location for growing our business and continuing to expand the value we bring to the agricultural, energy and food sectors.”

Founded in 1969, CGB operates more than 110 grain facilities across the Midwest and beyond, with integrated barge, rail and truck transportation capabilities.

“CGB is a world-class company that has been a tremendous partner at our Ohio River ports for nearly three decades,” said Jody Peacock, Ports of Indiana CEO. “This investment demonstrates CGB’s strong commitment to Indiana agriculture, our port, and future growth opportunities that support local farmers. 

“It also highlights the strategic competitive advantages Indiana’s ports create through robust barge and rail connections in the heart of one of the nation’s most productive agricultural regions,” he added.

Malecha said CGB’s expansion is designed to make the delivery process for farmers faster and more efficient at every step. “The addition of high-capacity unloading systems will increase dump speed, reduce wait times, and improve traffic flow.  

“Expanded storage capacity will also ensure the Mount Vernon facility remains ready and reliable for farmers to deliver their crops, especially during peak harvest,” he added. “We are also creating a safer, more efficient drive-through experience that will make driving in the port and at our processing plant safer for all port traffic.”