CN to Invest $85 Million in Michigan to Build Capacity and Power Sustainable Growth

Rhea-AI Summary

CN announced a US$85 million investment plan for Michigan in 2025, focusing on track maintenance and strategic infrastructure initiatives. The investment includes projects to enhance intermodal capacity and upgrade operations at Lansing, Battle Creek, and Flint railyards. This follows CN's 2024 investment of US$79 million in Michigan, which included US$3 million for the Flat Rock Transload facility, US$5 million for Lansing Autoport operations, and US$4 million for Lake Orion automotive facility. CN maintains a significant presence in Michigan with 1,033 employees, 812 railroad route miles, US$136 million in local spending, and US$8.1 million in cash taxes paid in 2024.

Positive

• New US$85 million investment demonstrates commitment to infrastructure improvement and growth
• Strategic upgrades to three major railyards will enhance operational efficiency
• Strong existing presence with 812 railroad route miles and 1,033 employees in Michigan
• Significant economic contribution through US$136 million local spending in 2024

Negative

• None.

Insights

Infrastructure Investment Analyst

CN's $85M Michigan investment strengthens rail network capacity and efficiency, continuing steady capital commitment to support long-term growth.

CN's planned $85 million capital investment in Michigan represents a 7.6% increase from their $79 million investment in 2024, demonstrating the company's continued commitment to infrastructure development in this strategically important state. This investment will focus on track maintenance and strategic infrastructure initiatives, particularly building intermodal capacity and upgrading operations at key railyards in Lansing, Battle Creek, and Flint.

The investment follows several completed 2024 projects, including $3 million for the Flat Rock Transload facility, $5 million for Autoport operations in Lansing, and $4 million supporting automotive facilities in Lake Orion. These targeted investments enhance CN's ability to service Michigan's substantial automotive manufacturing sector while improving overall network efficiency.

Looking at CN's Michigan footprint, the company operates 812 route miles with approximately 1,033 employees in the state. Their $136 million local spending in 2024 indicates the economic importance of their operations to Michigan's economy.

This capital expenditure aligns with CN's stated strategy of building network resiliency and efficiency to support sustainable growth. Such investments in physical infrastructure represent critical maintenance capital to ensure operational reliability while also expanding capacity for future growth opportunities in key markets. For CN, maintaining strong infrastructure in Michigan supports their broader North American network integration and service reliability objectives.

HOMEWOOD, Ill., June 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CN (TSX: CNR) (NYSE: CNI) announced today plans to invest approximately US$85 million in Michigan, as part of its 2025 capital investment program. This investment will support track maintenance and strategic infrastructure initiatives in the state. This includes projects to build intermodal capacity and upgrades to improve operations at CN’s Lansing, Battle Creek and Flint railyards. These projects will help ensure the safe movement of goods and support long-term sustainable growth in Michigan and across CN’s network.

“We believe that investing in our network is about building for the future. Our continued infrastructure investment in Michigan will help strengthen the resiliency and efficiency of our network across the state. Our focus remains on providing exceptional service to our customers and supply chain partners, supporting strong economic growth for North America and across communities where we operate.”

 - Tracy Robinson, President, and Chief Executive Officer of CN

“As a member of the House Transportation Committee, we focus on a robust freight transportation network across Michigan. CN is a key component to moving freight efficiently and safely. I have seen this up close over the years as they move goods through my district in Calhoun County and Battle Creek. Michigan needs a strong rail network, and CN is a leader in making significant investments in the Great Lakes State."

 - Steve Frisbie, State Representative, Michigan’s 44^th House District 

In 2024, CN invested approximately US$79 million in Michigan for track maintenance and key infrastructure initiatives. Highlights of this investment include:

• Over US$3 million to support the completion of the CN’s Flat Rock Transload facility
• Over US$5 million for upgrades to CN’s Autoport operations in Lansing
• Over US$4 million to support automotive facility in Lake Orion
  

Michigan in Numbers:

• Employees: approximately 1,033
• Railroad route miles operated: 812
• Community investments: US$ 144,000 in 2024
• Local spending: US$136 million in 2024
• Cash taxes paid: US$8.1 million in 2024
  
  

CN Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements by CN included in this news release constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and under Canadian securities laws. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions. CN cautions that its assumptions may not materialize and that current economic conditions render such assumptions, although reasonable at the time they were made, subject to greater uncertainty. Forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of terminology such as “believes,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “assumes,” “outlook,” “plans,” “targets,” or other similar words. Forward-looking statements reflect information as of the date on which they are made. CN assumes no obligation to update or revise forward-looking statements to reflect future events, changes in circumstances, or changes in beliefs, unless required by applicable securities laws. In the event CN does update any forward-looking statement, no inference should be made that CN will make additional updates with respect to that statement, related matters, or any other forward-looking statement.

About CN
CN powers the economy by safely transporting more than 300 million tons of natural resources, manufactured products, and finished goods throughout North America every year for its customers. With its nearly 20,000-mile rail network and related transportation services, CN connects Canada’s Eastern and Western coasts with the U.S. Midwest and the U.S. Gulf Coast, contributing to sustainable trade and the prosperity of the communities in which it operates since 1919.

Contacts:

Media	Investment Community
Ashley Michnowski	Stacy Alderson
Senior Manager	Assistant Vice-President
Media Relations	Investor Relations
(438) 596-4329	(514) 399-0052
media@cn.ca	investor.relations@cn.ca

FAQ

What is CN's planned investment in Michigan for 2025?

CN plans to invest approximately US$85 million in Michigan during 2025 for track maintenance and strategic infrastructure initiatives.

Which railyards will be upgraded in CN's 2025 Michigan investment?

CN will upgrade operations at the Lansing, Battle Creek, and Flint railyards in Michigan.

How much did CNI invest in Michigan during 2024?

CN invested approximately US$79 million in Michigan during 2024, including US$3 million for the Flat Rock Transload facility and US$5 million for Lansing Autoport operations.

What is CN's current operational presence in Michigan?

CN operates 812 railroad route miles in Michigan with approximately 1,033 employees, and made US$136 million in local spending and US$8.1 million in cash taxes in 2024.

How will CNI's Michigan investment impact its operations?

The investment will help strengthen network resiliency and efficiency, support intermodal capacity building, and ensure safe movement of goods across Michigan.