Crosby Foods will now be able to ship product in and out of its liquid bulk terminal at Port Saint John by rail thanks to a federal investment announced Wednesday.

The company received a $708,000 repayable contribution through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) to build a rail spur at the west side site.

It marks the first time the food-grade storage and liquid handling facility has had rail access in its 50-year history at Port Saint John.

Saint John-Rothesay MP Wayne Long said the project allows for multiple modes of transportation in and out of the terminal while ensuring a continual supply chain for molasses, a core business segment of Crosby Foods.

“Like Crosby, manufacturers across Canada are always looking for new ways to scale up, stay competitive, and better position themselves for growth,” said Long.

“The project will allow for multiple modes of transportation in and out of the terminal while ensuring a continual supply chain for molasses destined for markets across Canada and the United States.”

Crosby Foods President and CEO James Crosby believes the late arrival of rail access was due to the company prioritizing other investments.

Now, he says the terminal is poised to maximize its assets and utilize its expertise in handling food-grade products.

“Our family has been importing and exporting from the port for over 100 years, and 53 of those years, here at Port Saint John,” said Crosby.

“My father had the vision this terminal would prove both strategic and fruitful for our business and now, thanks to ACOA, we are able to continue offering options to our partners and customers, furthering the growth of our 145-year-old business.”