Canadian Pacific releases 2011 capital plan

"CP is focused on continuously improving service reliability, asset velocity and productivity. With strong demand projected in many of our commodity based businesses, this capital plan will enable us to meet our customer's needs and continue to lower our operating ratio to create a stronger franchise for the future," said Kathryn McQuade, CP’s Chief Financial Officer.   The 2011 Capital Plan will focus on:   1. Making strategic and targeted capacity investments to ensure that the efficiencies gained through its long train strategy, repair facility and yard consolidations are sustained as business levels return; 2. Investing in fast payback productivity and technology projects to further its lean and process re-engineering efforts thereby further improving shipment reliability and customer service; 3. Pursuing growth and market-based opportunities, such as its transload, intermodal and energy projects which produce compelling returns; and 4. Continuing to invest in its "Digital Railway" technologies to lift efficiency, service and safety to new levels.  Major investment categories include the following approximate amounts: •    $680 million for basic track infrastructure renewal; •    $200 million for volume growth, productivity initiatives and network enhancements; •    $80 million to strengthen and upgrade IT systems to enhance shipment visibility and information needs and •    $40 million to address capital regulated by governments, principally train control. "Our first priority is to re-invest in the business keeping our core franchise safe and well maintained,” said McQuade. “The improving economy creates opportunities to capture growth more efficiently through infrastructure and technology investments.”