October 20, 2023

R. J. Corman Switching Company, LLC Announces New Service Operation at Central Appalachia Inland Port at Prichard in WV

NICHOLASVILLE, KY - R. J. Corman Switching Company, LLC, a subsidiary of R. J. Corman Railroad Group, is pleased to announce that it was awarded a contract to lease the Central Appalachia Inland Port at Prichard (CAIPP) in Wayne County, West Virginia, starting on October 16, 2023.

The Central Appalachia Inland Port is a 65-acre facility at the southern end of Prichard, WV, owned by the Wayne County Commission and designed to transfer shipping containers between railcars and trucks. The CAIPP is served by Norfolk Southern Railway’s (NS) Kenova District.

In this multi-phase project, R. J. Corman Switching Company will utilize a portion of the site as a car repair hub. The company has established a partnership with railroads, car owners, and clients to operate mechanical car repair services at 12 other sites nationwide. In this first phase of operations at the CAIPP, R. J. Corman Switching Company will have diverse equipment and assets and a workforce of 14 employees covering various roles, including mechanical specialists, quality control, administration, and management.

In additional phases, R. J. Corman Switching Company will seek to expand operations to various new capabilities to grow services and increase economic impact for the region.

Since its foundation in 2001, R. J. Corman Railroad Switching Company has consistently grown its presence in the country by operating automotive and industrial switching sites in 12 states.

“We are excited to extend our footprint in West Virginia and revitalize the Central Appalachia Inland Port at Prichard. We see great potential for growth in this site, and we look forward to providing best-in-class service to our customers and becoming a key supply chain partner for businesses in the area,” said R. J. Corman Railroad Group President and CEO Ed Quinn.

"Through the cooperation of the Wayne County Commission, the Marshall University College of Business and Economic Research, and the Huntington Area Development Council, a plan was established to determine the best use of the facility and identify the most qualified operator to ensure its future success. After an exhaustive search, we are beyond pleased to partner with R. J. Corman Railroad Group for the future growth of the CAIPP. We could not have found a better, more qualified partner based on their reputation, industry standing, and established record of success. Special thanks to Governor Jim Justice, Senator Bob Plymale, and Delegate Matt Rohrbach for helping us realize this vision. We are optimistic about the future of the CAIPP facility and excited to see its potential finally realized," said Wayne County Commission President Jeff Maddox.

"The R. J. Corman Railroad Group is one of the nation's leading railroad service providers with decades long history of conducting business the right way. I know that they will become a tremendous asset to both Wayne County and the regional economy, just as they have all across their existing footprint. R. J. Corman's decision to locate here serves to underscore the status of the Central Appalachian Inland Port at Prichard (CAIPP) as a key regional asset. It also reflects the diligence and hard work on the part of Governor Justice's administration, the U.S. Economic Development Administration, the Wayne County Commission, and their many strategic partners over the last several years. The Center for Business and Economic Research at Marshall University is excited to continue engaging with R. J. Corman and the Commission to support their operations at CAIPP and to identify future opportunities with regional firms," said Associate Vice President, Marshall University, Center for Business and Economic Research, Bob Plymale.

###

About R. J. Corman Switching Company

R. J. Corman Switching Company is a subsidiary of R. J. Corman Railroad Group. Altogether, R. J. Corman Railroad Group employs approximately 1,400 people in 24 states. In addition to switching operations, R. J. Corman companies provide a broad scope of services to the railroad industry, such as emergency response, track material distribution, track construction, short line railroad operations, signal design, and construction.