The Andersons, Inc., secures long-term lease at Port Houston, expanding export capabilities

USA – The Andersons, Inc., a leading grain and fertilizer trade player, has signed a long-term lease at Port Houston, positioning itself to expand its export operations for soybean meal and other bulk grains.

The agreement, announced on October 24, significantly enhances The Andersons’ facilities, aiming to strengthen its logistical capabilities and meet the rising demand for soybean meal in international markets.

The expansion includes critical upgrades for improved reliability and efficiency, particularly adding rail-based unloading access for soybean meal.

According to the company, this addition will streamline the unloading of unit trains directly at the export point, an important step in reducing handling times and transportation costs, given the rising domestic soybean crushing rates.

“The long-term agreement and expansion at Port Houston allow us to meet growing global demand and provide seamless delivery of product to high-demand export markets,” said Bill Krueger, president and CEO of The Andersons.

 “By collaborating with our railroad partners, we’re poised to meet increased renewable fuel demands while optimizing logistics through direct rail access at the Texas Gulf,” Bill added.

The Andersons’ Houston facility currently supports annual grain exports exceeding two million tonnes, backed by storage capacity of 6.3 million bushels.

This expansion will add storage for up to 22,000 tonnes specifically for soybean meal, further underscoring the company’s commitment to efficient, high-volume grain exports.

Additional facility upgrades include a modernized conveyance system, easing the movement of grain from storage to loaders, and the installation of a new ship-loading tower to improve loading speed and efficiency.

Tom Heidt, Port Houston’s chief operating officer, emphasized the partnership’s importance in advancing both regional and national economic goals.

 “This agreement with The Andersons reflects Port Houston’s strategic role in supporting America’s green economy,” said Heidt. “

He added that enhanced export operations for soybean meal support both job growth locally and agricultural jobs across the Midwest and other key grain-producing regions.

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