A groundbreaking ceremony was held for the construction of a railroad spur at the catalyst site. Pictured left to right, are: Daniel Dorfer, Chris Schaetz, Clyde Fleming, Ricky Gamble, Randy Harris, Don Hale, Larry Sessions, Ronnie Richardson, Matt Furber and Matt Drew. 

LIVE OAK — A groundbreaking ceremony was held Monday morning for the construction of a railroad spur at the catalyst site.

County Administrator Randy Harris said the spur has been in the making for 10 years as it was part of the original criteria used in locating a piece of property for the catalyst site.

He said it has taken him five years to amass sufficient funds for the project.

There are $4.5 million in grants for the project.

Harris said the railroad spur construction will cost $3.5 million and $1 million will be used to relocate a railroad crossing.

The catalyst site is currently home to Klausner Lumber One and Matco Industries. Matco, a full service transloading and railroad logistics company, has not opened yet due to the lack of a spur.

“We are excited about the rail construction start and are not only looking forward to being able to ship lumber and other wood products by rail, but we are also happy for the citizens of Suwannee County because the rail will facilitate additional economic development at the site,” said Thomas Mende, president of Klausner Trading USA.

Harris said with the railroad spur, Klasuner will be expanding its facility, increasing production and employing additional full-time employees.

“Both companies have immediate plans to utilize the railroad spur,” Harris said.

He added that future companies will have access to the railroad spur.

“We are waiting and will commence operations once the railroad spur is complete,” said Matt Furber, Matco Industries president. “Without the rail, it is hard to do our work.”

County commissioner Don Hale added: “I am excited to see this get kicked off and come to fulfillment.”
Construction will start in the next two weeks and will take approximately seven months to complete.