CGB Breaks Ground On Mount Vernon Terminal Expansion

A $47 million grain terminal expansion at Ports of Indiana – Mount Vernon represents the largest investment at Indiana’s largest port in more than 20 years.

State and local officials broke ground on the project May 19. It is designed to triple grain handling at Consolidated Grain and Grain Barge Company’s soybean processing facility at the port. Consolidated Grain and Barge Company is a wholly owned subsidiary of CGB Enterprises Inc.

CGB currently processes about 50 million bushels of soybeans annually at the Mount Vernon port, 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. 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.

“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.”

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. 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.

“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 Enterprises, Inc. Executive Vice President Tom Malecha said. “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. 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.”

CGB also manages grain merchandising as well as ethanol and DDG transload facilities at the port. The company, which was founded in 1969, 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,” Ports of Indiana CEO Jody Peacock said. “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.”

Featured photo caption: State and local leaders held a groundbreaking ceremony May 19 at Ports of Indiana – Mount Vernon. The project will triple Consolidated Grain and Barge Company’s ability to process soybeans at the port and represents an investment of $47 million. (Photo courtesy of Ports of Indiana)