Erlen Group subsidiary to expand rail infrastructure at Springfield Underground

Erlen Group subsidiary Umlaut Transloading is expanding its rail infrastructure at Springfield Underground.

Umlaut Transloading – which serves as a premier transload facility for BNSF Railway and is registered through the Missouri secretary of state’s office via Umlaut Industrial LLC – is adding 18 new railcar spaces and expanding its transloading capabilities with the expansion, according to a news release. The expansion would increase capacity by 25%. 

The rail expansion project would take place on the surface of Springfield Underground, which also is operated by Erlen Group. Umlaut Transloading is part of the logistics portion of Erlen Group's business and receives, stores and ships commodities includes standard rail, bulk and liquids, according to its website. The company also offers rail service underground. 

“We’re proud to announce this rail expansion as part of our ongoing effort to grow with our customers and support the region’s supply chain,” said John Griesemer, CEO of Erlen Group, in the release. “With this investment, we are reinforcing our commitment to being a premier logistics solution provider for businesses across the Midwest and beyond.”

The cost was not disclosed in the release for the project, which is partially funded by the Missouri Department of Transportation’s Freight Enhancement Program.

Erlen Group's plans to develop the surface of Springfield Underground were unveiled in 2023, with 402 surface acres available for expansion projects, according to past reporting.