Mount Vernon port’s largest project in 20 years will triple soybean handling capacity

MOUNT VERNON, Ind. (May 19, 2026) – State and local officials today celebrated the groundbreaking of Consolidated Grain and Barge Co.’s (CGB) $47 million expansion at Ports of Indiana-Mount Vernon, the largest investment at Indiana’s largest port in more than 20 years. Consolidated Grain and Barge Co. is a wholly owned subsidiary of CGB Enterprises, Inc.

The project is designed to triple grain handling capacity of CGB’s soybean processing operations at the Ohio River port. CGB currently processes approximately 50 million bushels of soybeans annually at Mount Vernon, producing soybean oil, meal, and soy hulls that are shipped to livestock producers and food companies around the world.

The expansion includes new grain storage and truck unloading facilities, as well as a conveyor system that transfers grain between multiple sites at the port. The project will increase the facility’s storage volume by 4.25 million bushels and boost truck unloading capacity by 200 percent. Construction is expected to be completed in 2027.

“CGB has been a long-standing leader in Indiana agriculture, and this investment at Ports of Indiana-Mount Vernon strengthens two of our greatest assets – world-class infrastructure and a leading agriculture economy,” said Indiana Governor Mike Braun. “Expanding CGB’s port facilities helps Hoosier farmers move crops more efficiently to global markets, supports rural communities, and reinforces Indiana’s leadership in agriculture and trade.”

CGB’s soybean volume at Mount Vernon has increased more than 60 percent over the past decade, driving the need for expanded capacity and improved truck flow. The new unloading system will allow entire truckloads to discharge without repositioning, reducing congestion on port roads, shortening turnaround times, and lowering transportation costs for local farmers.

“We strongly value our relationship with the state of Indiana, Ports of Indiana and the Mount Vernon community, and this investment centers on serving our farmers and the local community,” said CGB Enterprises, Inc. Executive Vice President Tom Malecha. “By improving traffic flow and reducing wait times, CGB is making soybean delivery at Mount Vernon more efficient while positioning the facility for the future. This port is an ideal location for growing our business and continuing to expand the value we bring to the agricultural, energy and food sectors.”

CGB also manages grain merchandising as well as ethanol and DDG transload facilities at the port. Founded in 1969, CGB operates more than 110 grain facilities across the Midwest and beyond with integrated barge, rail, and truck transportation capabilities.

“CGB is a world-class company that has been a tremendous partner at our Ohio River ports for nearly three decades,” said Ports of Indiana CEO Jody Peacock. “This investment demonstrates CGB’s strong commitment to Indiana agriculture, our port, and future growth opportunities that support local farmers. It also highlights the strategic competitive advantages Indiana’s ports create through robust barge and rail connections in the heart of one of the nation’s most productive agricultural regions.”

Indiana is one of the nation’s leading soybean-producing states, and the Mount Vernon port serves as a major gateway for agricultural exports. The port handles approximately 5 million tons of cargo annually, including grain, soy products, ethanol, fertilizer, steel, and project cargo. The 1,200-acre port has connections to five Class I railroads and is part of the nation’s busiest inland port district.

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About Consolidated Grain and Barge Co.: Consolidated Grain and Barge Co., a wholly owned subsidiary of CGB Enterprises, Inc., is a diversified agribusiness providing barge, rail, and truck access to support domestic and export markets. In addition to over 110 grain facilities, the company has significant operations in logistics and transportation, soybean processing, and other related businesses. Information: cgb.com

CGB Media Contact: Erin Condon, (972) 746-7897, communications@cgb.com