File photo of a CN locomotive in Montreal.Graham Hughes
Canadian National Railway Co. says it will complete the merger of three of its U.S. operating subsidiaries Saturday into one unit, to be named Wisconsin Central Ltd.
CN says the move will simplify the freight carrier's corporate structure and operations and make it easier to combine the separate work forces to improve efficiencies and service to customers.
The merger affects three separate but linked operating companies – Duluth, Missabe and Iron Range Railway Co., Duluth, Winnipeg and Pacific Railway Co. and Wisconsin Central.
"CN expects the merger will lead to operational efficiencies and service improvements through the integration of distinct work forces in and around the Twin Ports region of Duluth, Minn., and Superior, Wis., where DMIR, DWP, and WC operate today," said Jim Vena, CN's senior vice-president for the company's southern operations based in Chicago.
"A unified work force will allow better management of crew staffing and more efficient and reliable rail service to customers throughout the region, including those in the Mesabi iron ore range, and beyond."
The merger was authorized earlier this year by the U.S. government railway regulator and agreements with rail unions are also in place, CN said.
CN is one of North America's largest rail companies, with operations across Canada and into the U.S. Midwest down to the Gulf of Mexico.
The railway carries everything from lumber, chemicals and auto parts to cars, minerals, paper and finished goods along its continental network.