CN and TGM Launch Expanded Illinois Grain Facility to Boost Supply Chain Efficiency — Canadian National Railway Company

Event summary

CN shipped the first unit train from TGM’s expanded grain elevator in Lis, Illinois, on September 16, 2026.
The expansion includes a new 115-car loop track, replacing the existing 25-car footprint, and adds 3.1 million bushels of grain storage capacity.
The facility now features three truck dump pits, allowing it to receive up to 85,000 bushels of grain per hour and load unit trains in as little as eight hours.
CN and TGM highlight the project’s operational efficiencies, which will enhance the end-to-end grain supply chain in CN’s Southern Region.

The big picture

The expansion of TGM’s grain elevator in Illinois underscores CN’s strategic focus on enhancing supply chain resilience and competitiveness in North American agriculture. This project aligns with broader industry trends toward infrastructure investment and operational efficiency, particularly in the grain sector. The collaboration between CN and TGM highlights the importance of partnerships in driving long-term economic growth and supply chain optimization.

What we're watching

Operational Efficiency: How the expanded facility will affect CN’s and TGM’s ability to handle increased grain volumes and reduce shipping times.
Market Demand: Whether the enhanced capacity will meet growing demand for grain transportation in the Southern Region.
Strategic Partnerships: The pace at which CN and TGM will collaborate on future infrastructure projects to strengthen the grain supply chain.