Watco Will Acquire Great Lakes Central Railroad
Written by David C. Lester, Editor-in-Chief
Watco
PITTSBURG, Kan. –– Watco this week announced that it is acquiring the Great Lakes Central Railroad (GLC).
The Great Lakes Central is the largest Class III regional railroad in Michigan, serving Central and Northern Michigan with about 400 miles of track. Since 213, Watco has been an equity investor in the GLC.
Jennifer Ferris, President and CEO of the Great Lakes Central Railroad said “The Great Lakes Central Railroad has been a vital part of Michigan’s transportation network and both my father, Louis P. Ferris, Jr., and I have been deeply passionate about its role in connecting industries and communities. Thanks to our tremendous team, GLC has experienced remarkable growth over the years, strengthening our service and expanding our capabilities. With Watco as a long-time partner since 2013, we are confident they will honor the legacy we have built while continuing to serve Michigan’s industries and communities with the same dedication and excellence.”
The GLC serves 15 Michigan counties and interchanges with CSX, Mid-Michigan Railroad, Huron and Eastern Railway, Canadian National, and Watco’s Ann Arbor Railroad, which provides a connection to Norfolk Southern.
The road’s lines run north from Ann Arbor, Michigan to Cadillac with branches to Thompsonville, Traverse City, and Petoskey. Commodities carried by the GLC include soybeans, corn, other agricultural products, fertilizers, plastics, and LPG.
Great Lakes Central Railroad Map (courtesy Great Lakes Central Railroad)
According to Peter Anastor, Michigan Department of Transportation Office of Rail Director, “Watco has a long history of working with the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) through its two other short line railroads in Michigan. We look forward to growing our strong partnership with Watco in preserving and enhancing critical rail service in Michigan, while providing excellent service to customers along the state-owned rail corridor between Ann Arbor and Northern Michigan.”
Watco already has a service presence in Michigan with the Grand Elk Railroad and the Ann Arbor Railroad.
Watco CEO, Dan Smith, said “We are commited to honoring the history of the GLC and building upon our strong partnership with the Michigan Department of Transportation and our valued customers. This acquisition allows us to further support and grow our Michigan customer base, and we look forward to continuing legacy of excellence that the Ferris family has established.”
Once the Surface Transportation Board approves the transaction, Watco will begin operation of the GLC.
