Canadian National Railway Company (CN) is significantly expanding its certified rail-ready sites program, adding five new industrial development locations and recertifying six existing U.S. sites. This strategic enhancement, implemented through a new partnership with the Site Selectors Guild’s REDI sites program, aims to bolster the readiness and credibility of industrial locations within CN’s extensive network.
The REDI sites program provides an industry-recognized certification framework, introducing a heightened level of rigor, consistency, and assurance for industrial site readiness. This development is crucial for businesses undertaking industrial development projects, where speed, certainty, and long-term infrastructure confidence are paramount. CN’s certified rail-ready sites program is designed to expedite the transition from site selection to operational status by pinpointing strategic, rail-served locations primed for investment and well-connected to markets across North America.
“Industrial development decisions require speed, certainty and long-term infrastructure confidence. CN’s certified rail-ready sites program helps businesses move more quickly from site selection to operations by identifying strategic, rail-served locations that are ready for investment and connected to markets across North America,” said Janet Drysdale, executive vice-president and chief commercial officer, CN.
“In today’s environment, readiness is a competitive advantage. CN is leaning into that by advancing sites through the REDI sites designation process, bringing greater rigour, consistency and credibility to how its portfolio is positioned. Companies want clear information and fewer surprises, and REDI’s independent review helps deliver that confidence,” said Didi Caldwell, president and chief executive officer, and global location strategies and REDI sites board chair.
CN’s certified rail-ready sites program meticulously identifies and prequalifies strategic industrial locations that offer direct access to CN’s vast transportation network. These sites undergo rigorous evaluation against key criteria, including zoning compliance, environmental assessments, utility availability, and existing transportation infrastructure. Such comprehensive vetting significantly reduces development risks and accelerates project timelines for both businesses and investors seeking industrial development opportunities. CN also collaborates with expert consulting and engineering firms to support the certification process and enhance the marketing of these prime locations.
The five new sites undergoing the certification process include:
- Michigan AMD, Genesee county, Michigan — 1,400 acres
- Buick City — Racer Trust, Burton, Mich. — 55 acres
- Carbondale site, Jackson county, Illinois — 100 acres
- Leatherman site, DeSoto county, Mississippi — 190 acres
- Willow Glen site, Iberville parish, La. — 500 acres
Alongside these new additions, six previously certified rail-served locations are:
- Enterprise Park at Fulton, Fulton, Ky. — 53 acres
- Helena industrial complex, Jackson county, Mississippi — 46 acres
- Mattoon Prairie industrial park, Coles county, Illinois — 420 acres
- MEC Smart Park, Cassopolis, Mich. — 70 acres
- NW TN regional, Obion county, Tennessee — 296 acres
- Rialto industrial park, Covington, Tenn. — 146 acres
These strategically positioned, rail-ready sites span key industrial regions across Canada and the United States, drawing strength from CN’s comprehensive network of transload and distribution facilities. This integrated approach ensures seamless connectivity for businesses, facilitating efficient access to markets throughout North America.
