Chemical company recognizes Maryland and Delaware's service efforts

The Maryland and Delaware Railroad Co. (MDDE) recently earned a Special Recognition Award from Eastman Chemical Co. of Kingsport, Tenn.

The award recognizes the short line's service efforts for an Eastman facility on Maryland's eastern shore. Since the chemical company acquired the Chestertown facility from Genovique Specialties Corp. in 2010, the short line and Eastman have partnered to establish "just in time" rail deliveries to maximize production at the plant, MDDE officials said in a press release.

The railroad "consistently exceeds expectations" and provides "strong service,” said Edward Palmer, Eastman's rail procurement director.

The short line has worked hard to create and maintain a culture of safety, teamwork and trust that exists with Eastman, said MDDE President Eric Callaway.

"It is a proud relationship to have with one of our region's critical economic engines," he said.

MDDE operates 120 miles of track on the Delaware Peninsula and interchanges with Norfolk Southern Railway. The short line serves many primary manufacturing facilities in the Delmarva region and transports agricultural, chemical and industrial products.