Rail key to Port of Brownsville operation, CSC Sugar says

CSC Sugar began packaging and distribution operations this week at the Port of Brownsville in Texas.

The port's rail infrastructure and cargo capabilities were critical to the company's expansion to Brownsville, CSC officials said in a press release. 

"We chose the Port of Brownsville specifically because it provides great access from both Union Pacific and BNSF railroads," said Paul Farmer, CSC president and chief executive officer. "Having the Brownsville Rio Grande International Railway (BRG) as the local short line is also a key part of the deal."

In 2014, the port signed a strategic partnership with OmniTRAX Inc. to operate BRG and develop the 1,400-acre GEOTRAC Industrial Hub.

"The Port of Brownsville and the GEOTRAC Industrial Hub offer a very unique location for companies like CSC Sugar. Plus, the capabilities of the Brownsville and Rio Grande International Railway will create new opportunities for exporting and importing a variety of products like beet and cane sugar," said OmniTRAX CEO Kevin Shuba.

CSC is one of the largest importers and exporters of refined sugar to and from North America. The company and the port began discussions about the project in late 2015, resulting in the new alignment with a host of integrated service providers.

The Connecticut-based company leased 242,000 square feet of warehouse space at the port to export beet sugar to Africa. The sugar comes from the West and Midwest via UP and BNSF.