MARYSVILLE, Ohio — Heritage Cooperative broke ground on a major agriculture campus and research farm in Marysville, Ohio, to serve its customers in the community and provide space for educational sites and test plots.
The project, scheduled for completion by September 2015, is located on 277 acres just south of Route 33 on Scottslawn Road.
“Heritage remains true to our mission to add value to our members and customers’ businesses and communities, and this project, which is one of the largest our cooperative has developed, is a direct reflection of that intent,” said Eric Parthemore, CEO, Heritage Cooperative.
“We know the needs of our customers and members have changed exponentially, and that requires us to evolve to ensure we can deliver the cutting-edge efficiency, access to markets and agricultural technologies that position them for success.”
Expand service capacity
The campus will significantly expand Heritage’s service capacity to its members in the Marysville area. It includes an express unit train grain terminal; a 30,000 ton dry fertilizer warehouse; and a 10,000 ton liquid UAN (nitrogen fertilizer) storage with 24/7 distribution.
Among the project’s most important elements is the addition of a CSX Transportation Class 1 unit train grain marketing facility, which will feature one of only two loop track facilities in the state of Ohio.
The 8,600-foot loop track will allow trains to make an entire circuit to load or unload grain, while maintaining rail traffic flow on main tracks.
“The collaboration between CSX and Heritage on this facility is a perfect example of the power of partnership, working closely together through every step of development to leverage the efficiency and reliability of rail service to best meet Heritage’s needs and support growth in the community and the region,” said Tim McNulty, AVP industrial and agricultural sales and marketing, CSX.
Jobs
The project, when completed, will create about 20 full-time and an additional 15 part-time jobs in the community, with an annual payroll of more than $1.1 million.
“Heritage has been operating in Marysville for decades, and the organization has demonstrated its commitment to leadership and to investment in Marysville,” said Marysville Mayor John Gore. “We are pleased to work with them on this new project and look forward to a continued and growing business relationship.”
Research and testing
The research farm will have agronomic and seed test plots, as well as conservation demonstration and educational sites.
Heritage expects testing of new agricultural products to take place there, as well as the opportunity to partner with local farm and education organizations on additional research.
To learn more about the project, visit www.heritagecooperative.com.
