BNSF customers invested record $5.3 billion on 2025 rail-served projects
Doing business with BNSF is easier than ever, as our 2025 economic development activity demonstrated. We completed 117 rail-served projects with customers, the highest number closed in the last six years. These investments totaled more than $5.3 billion.
Our economic development (ED) team helps businesses use advantageous locations to capitalize on market opportunities. The team members, who are regionally located, work closely with companies, communities and consultants to create transportation and distribution solutions that enhance and improve their supply chains.
In addition to supporting customer investment across new development and expansion projects, BNSF offers a comprehensive portfolio of rail-enabled development solutions — from colocated distribution and warehouse opportunities at our Logistics Parks to rail-served Certified Sites and Logistics Centers — designed to meet customers where they are and scale as needs evolve.
The 2025 investments created more than 1,200 jobs across industrial, agricultural and consumer markets. The projects expanded production capacity, strengthened supply chains and supported long-term economic growth.
BNSF also recently welcomed a new Certified Site near Mobile, Alabama, the first BNSF Certified Site to be served by a BNSF Shortline Select™ Partner, Genesee & Wyoming’s (G&W) Alabama & Gulf Coast Railway (AGR).
“The record number of projects completed in 2025 reflects strong customer investment and continued confidence in rail-supported growth,” said BNSF Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer Tom Williams. “At the same time, expanding our portfolio of rail-ready sites strengthens the pipeline for future development, helping customers access markets, expand operations and execute long-term growth strategies with greater certainty.”
Here's a look at some of the 2025 notable projects.
U.S. Steel: Big River Steel Works has facilitated the investment of approximately $27 million into its facility to expand and enhance the site’s rail infrastructure. This investment builds on the company’s broader $3 billion, multiyear commitment to next generation steelmaking and complements the existing Big River Steel Works campus. With its second facility now commissioned and fully operational, the rail-served mini mill has increased its annual production capacity to nearly six million tons. The site includes nearly 40 miles of track to efficiently manage inbound raw materials and outbound finished steel shipments. This investment further strengthens the region’s advanced manufacturing capabilities and reinforces northeast Arkansas as a leader in innovative steel production.
South Dakota Soybean Processors completed the $500 million High Plains Processing plant near Mitchell, South Dakota, capable of processing approximately 35 million bushels of soybeans each year. The rail-served facility, with easy access to the BNSF main line, strengthens regional soybean processing capacity and enhances access to domestic and global markets. The project is expected to support an estimated 85 full-time jobs and annual payroll of approximately $5.5 million, reinforcing long-term agricultural growth and improving supply chain efficiency for area producers.
Mobile Gateway Park: BNSF’s newly announced Certified Site is approximately 20 minutes north of Mobile, Alabama. The location is near the Port of Mobile and major interstate corridors, supporting scalable production and distribution operations seeking access to Gulf Coast and global markets.
Certified sites simplify site-selection by delivering rail-served locations that are ready for development. They meet BNSF’s stringent readiness standards, including rail service capability and pre-qualified infrastructure, helping to reduce development risk and shorten project timelines.
If your company is interested in learning more about how BNSF can support your growth, visit this site.
