August 13, 2024 – Project Skyfall may sound like the title of a thrilling spy movie, but it was actually an ambitious project in which CSX helped a customer overcome a complex challenge and increase its speed to market.
The company was searching for the ideal site for a new facility, with a stringent set of criteria. They needed over 1,000 acres of land, access to robust utilities, a large skilled workforce, and of course, rail access.
Thanks to the CSX Select Site program and its partners, this massive project found its home, with the facility scheduled to open its doors in 2026.
A Thorough Process
The CSX Select Site Program is a comprehensive service designed to identify the best rail served properties, collaborate with stakeholders to optimize them, and ultimately connect customers with these premium locations. This generates capital investment, creates jobs, and increases rail traffic.
CSX has an experienced Industrial Development team, strategically positioned across its 26-state network, that brings a wealth of local knowledge about economic development activities and suitable properties. Their goal is to streamline the site selection process, removing risks and pitfalls through a rigorous certification process validated by globally recognized site selection firms.
When a potential customer approaches CSX, the first step is understanding their specific site requirements. Equipped with this information, CSX can swiftly present the best candidate sites from its Select Site program, which boasts over thirty premier locations that meet stringent certification criteria. These include:
- Availability of utilities,
- Environmental remediation,
- Appropriate zoning and entitlement,
- Proximity to highways or interstates, and
- Other critical attributes.
Rail access introduces its own set of unique requirements, such as topography, sufficient rail frontage, and service planning. For a site to be viable for rail, it must accommodate certain elevations, slope, and degrees of curvature, which often necessitates significant grading and land work. The extent of this site preparation work impacts the overall cost and is a critical consideration in the selection process.
CSX also helps identify state and local incentives, tax credits, grants, and other financial offsets to reduce the development and operational costs of new facilities. These factors significantly influence the final site selection for customers. The Select Site program provides CSX and its customers with a competitive edge by quickly identifying rail-served options for new manufacturing plants.
Beyond the Select Sites, CSX has an extensive database of nearly 1,000 additional locations. As new properties become available across the network, they are meticulously evaluated to ensure a variety of options that match any customer's specific needs.
Once a customer selects a CSX-served site, CSX partners with them from the public announcement through to the first railcar move, ensuring a smooth and efficient startup. Whether it's crafting a press release, producing a professional video, or various other promotional options, the CSX Industrial Development team designs announcements to maximize goodwill and excitement within the local community. This builds positive momentum and fosters community support for the project's long-term success.
Ongoing Customer Support
During the rail design and development phase, CSX acts as a vital resource. Regular engineering reviews between CSX’s Site Design team and the customer’s engineering team ensure the rail layout accommodates required rail traffic both now and in the future. This critical planning phase helps ensure that the facility operates efficiently and effectively from day one.
CSX remains engaged with the customer until the first train departs the new facility. Afterward, the relationship transitions from the Industrial Development team to a dedicated CSX sales manager who oversees the customer's ongoing needs, providing continuous support and service.
Developments like Project Skyfall exemplify the expertise and dedication of the CSX Industrial Development team and the benefits of the Select Site program. Equipped with these offerings, CSX is well-positioned to help customers navigate challenges and find optimal locations to grow their businesses.
For more information, visit CSX.com/selectsites.
Article by Christina Bottomley
CSX Vice President of Business Development and Real Estate
To connect with Christina Bottomley, click here.
