Port Authority: Closure Of CHS Superior Terminal Is ‘Disappointing Blow’

SUPERIOR, Wis. – “Disappointing blow.”  Those are the words from the Duluth Seaway Port Authority about the shutdown of one of the Twin Ports oldest and largest grain shippers.

Employees at the CHS Superior Terminal told FOX 21 they were notified Thursday that they will be out of a job on Sept. 8.

The grain facility has been operating at 41 Dock since 1936.

CHS describes itself as a “leading global agribusiness owned by farmers, ranchers and cooperatives across the United States.”   CHS exports grain from Superior primarily to customers in Algeria, Italy, Mexico, Morocco, the UK and Venezuela through vessels.  The terminal has also loaded and unloaded rail cars year-round for grain shipments in the U.S.

The facility is one of the most visible terminals in the Twin Ports, especially for drivers who cross the Blatnik Bridge.

The terminal’s grain capacity is around 18 million bushels, according to the Duluth Seaway Port Authority.

A current employee told FOX 21 around 25 people are being terminated.

CHS released the following statement to FOX 21:

“CHS is focused on driving growth and efficiency for the future and is committed to farmers in northern Minnesota. We remain committed to serving our farmers in the region providing access to global markets. Given shifts in how grain flows through our supply chain, we will be closing our Superior grain terminal by August 31 and reducing our workforce at that location.” — CHS

The director of the Superior Port Division was out of the office Thursday.  But the Duluth Seaway Port Authority released the following statement to FOX 21:

“From the Duluth Seaway Port Authority: The CHS decision to cease operations at its Superior terminal is a disappointing blow to the Port of Duluth-Superior and the community as a whole. Most immediately, our thoughts are with the employees who will be affected by this decision.” — DSPA

As for what’s next, the Port Authority will be working with the city of Superior to seek solutions that could lead to a “more positive outcome, and hopefully, continued use of this grain terminal.”