The DeLong Co., Inc. is pleased to announce it will begin construction of a $26M Containerized Agricultural Export Facility, to be located at the former CSX intermodal site in Portsmouth, VA. This state-of-the-art facility will have the capability to receive unit trains and transload product into containers for export, making it the only facility of its kind on the East Coast.
The facility is set to break ground in February 2025 and is expected to be operational by late 2025. It will feature 550,000 bushels of storage capacity, along with buildings for truck and rail receiving, as well as loadout.
The operation will source whole grains and feedstuffs produced and processed locally and throughout the Midwest. Product will be received via inbound truck and rail before being transloaded into export containers. The facility is expected to handle 15,000-20,000 containers annually, significantly enhancing agricultural exports through Portsmouth and generating a substantial economic impact. In addition to creating jobs, the facility will strengthen the region’s overall logistic capabilities and increase access to Far East export markets.
“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.”
The DeLong Co., Inc. is a 6th generation, family-owned business headquartered in Clinton, WI. The company operates 37 locations around the U.S. and is the largest U.S. exporter of containerized agricultural products. In September 2024, the Port of Virginia honored DeLong with its Shipper of the Year Award, recognizing the company’s 15-year history of shipping through the port and its position as the third-largest U.S. exporter of containers.
In addition to its leadership in agricultural exports, the company is committed to sustainability initiatives and community investments through scholarships and charitable donations.
“We look forward to continuing our legacy of investing in growth that benefits innovation and the communities we serve,” said Chris DeLong, President of The DeLong Co. “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.”
About The DeLong Co., Inc.
Since 1913, The DeLong Co., Inc. has established itself as a pioneer in the agricultural industry, providing best-in-class grain trading, exports, agronomy, seed, crop insurance, transportation, and wholesale services across the United States. With a deep-rooted, six-generation commitment to their customers and communities, the DeLong family continues to build on their legacy and core values of integrity, family, innovation, growth and quality.
Learn more at www.delongcompany.com.
