Dead River Co. opens new propane rail plant in Hermon, Maine

Dead River Co. hosted a pipe-cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of its new propane rail plant. With five double-sided rail towers, four 60,000-gallon tanks, four truck-loading stations and two double-ended half-mile tracks, the company says, the facility is the largest propane rail plant in New England.

“Propane is the energy of the future,” explains Alan Dorr, Dead River Co.’s senior vice president, wholesale and supply. “The United States currently produces over 2 million gallons of propane more than it consumes each day, which translates to price stability for consumers. This facility enables us to bring in propane from all over the country to ensure a stable, secure supply for our customers.”

The Hermon rail plant concentrates Dead River Co.’s propane distribution network to a single facility that will transport propane to customers from Waterville to Aroostook County. With capacity to store 42 loaded cars, Dead River Co. can now maintain an inventory of up to 63 million gallons of propane at the Hermon facility and distribute up to 80 million gallons per year. CSX Transportation will provide daily rail service.

“More than a significant investment for our company, our Hermon rail plant is an investment in the state of Maine as we strive to deliver reliable, affordable heating solutions throughout the state,” comments Dead River Co. President and CEO Casey Cramton.

Founded as a forest products business in 1909, Dead River Co. is now a propane and heating oil provider in New England. With over 50 locally managed offices throughout Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Vermont and New York, Dead River Co. provides fuel delivery to thousands of home and business owners.

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