America's largest railway, Union Pacific, has officially opened a 2,200-acre, US$400 million marshalling yard in New Mexico near El Paso, Texas, to serve the Sunset Route linking Los Angeles and the midwest and eastern US.
Union Pacific chairman and CEO Jack Koraleski joined New Mexico Governor Susana Martinez at the grand opening just west of Santa Teresa Airport.
"Our new rail facility in New Mexico is a key part of our relentless effort to create value for our customers through safety, service and efficiency," Mr Koraleski said.
"Union Pacific's investment in New Mexico will improve the fluidity and efficiency of the Union Pacific network and will have a positive long-term economic impact in the region," he said.
The facility will create value for customers and produce greater logistics efficiencies along Union Pacific's Sunset Route, the company statement said.
The facility includes a fueling station, crew change buildings, and an intermodal ramp with an annual lift capacity of 225,000 containers.
The southern region of New Mexico is now a strategic focal point where shippers can leverage the economic and environmental benefits of shipping freight by rail.
After creating 3,000 jobs during the building phase from 2011 to 2014, the site will employ 300-600 permanent staff once the facility reaches full capacity.
Union Pacific is planning to invest $4.1 billion in 2014 - capital investment that is part of a long-term strategy to provide safe, efficient service across its 32,000 mile 23-state network.
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