PORTSMOUTH, VIRGINIA, US — The DeLong Co. has unveiled plans for a $26 million containerized agricultural export facility in Portsmouth, Virginia, US. The facility is expected to have the capability to receive unit trains and transload product into containers for export, making it the only facility of its kind on the US East Coast, according to DeLong.

DeLong said it plans to break ground on the facility in February, with operations set to begin by late 2025. The facility will feature 550,000 bushels of storage capacity, along with buildings for truck and rail receiving, as well as loadout, DeLong said.

Whole grains and feedstuffs produced and processed locally and throughout the Midwest will be sourced at the facility, DeLong said, and product will be received via inbound truck and rail before being transloaded into export containers. DeLong said the facility is expected to handle 15,000 to 20,000 containers a year.

“This project represents a major step in strengthening the economic, agricultural and logistical landscape of Virginia and the greater East Coast to Midwest regions,” said Brandon Bickham, vice president of exports at The DeLong Co. “We have been collaborating on this project with the Port of Virginia and CSX Railroad, and we are excited to bring this project to Portsmouth. The new facility will not only open new markets to agricultural producers but also contribute to the area’s long-term growth and success.”

Headquartered in Clinton, Wisconsin, US, The DeLong Co. is a sixth generation, family-owned business that operates 37 locations across the United States. It is the largest US exporter of containerized agricultural products.

“This new facility exemplifies our commitment to expanding our capabilities while staying true to responsible practices, forward-thinking solutions, and strengthening the communities where we operate,” said Chris DeLong, president of The DeLong Co.