The newly developed Hardin County Rail Logistics Center presents a variety of opportunities for wind industry suppliers. The 40-acre HRLC, which opened its gates December 31, is located just south of Kenton, Ohio, and in the center of wind farm development of Ohio, with the Hog Creek Wind Farm only nine miles to the north and the Invenergy Wind Farm about six miles to the south.

The facility boasts a lighted and fenced laydown lot, is unit train accessible, and is in prime position to serve area wind farms.

"We are really happy to be able to get the HRLC up and running," said Jim Jacobs, president of American Rail Center, and owner and operator of the HRLC. "The whole idea here is to make things easier for suppliers. We want to be part of our customers' team and do our part to make a complex logistical undertaking—like transporting wind turbine parts—run as smoothly and efficiently as possible."

The site offers easy access for both trucking and rail. Six federal and state highways are located conveniently nearby, while the HRLC connects with CSX Transportation, directly off their mainline operations in Kenton. Additionally, the center is adjacent to the Hardin County Airport with its 4,803-foot-long paved runway and 1,030 feet elevation. The proximity to the airport offers nearby access to maintenance, fuel, and storage, presenting "just in time" parts for the center's customers.

The HRLC also provides ample space to transfer and store turbines on a 25-acre stone lot specifically designed for just that. And the extensive size of the HRLC will allow for companies to expand and make a long term investment in one location.

"It's great that (Jim Jacobs) has recognized the need for acres upon acres of storage capacity, which is critical," said Jon Meyer, senior account manager for CSX Transportation in Baltimore. "It is my understanding he can accommodate several unit trains coming at one time. He has done a good job building for the wind industry, with the track length and ability to store until (the parts) are moved to the (wind) farms."

Jacobs constructed 13,000 feet of new dual track running into the facility off CSX's mainline, while CSX upgraded about 10,000 feet of track to accommodate turbine traffic. All terminal support tracks are heavy duty, 136-pound rail on 18-inch tie centers. The tracks are spaced apart and are able to safely handle 16-foot-wide material side by side and on adjacent receiving tracks. This provides capability for up to a one-mile train, Jacobs said.

"We have worked really well with Jim," Meyer said. "What was really critical in the development of this particular site is that he was in constant communication with CSX that the site would meet the needs of customers like GE, Vestas, and Gamesa."

There are also two sets of cross-overs and four turn-outs servicing the HRLC. These assets will provide for in-house switching and handling of rail equipment for quick response and turnaround, Jacobs said. There will also be crane and Kalmar handlers available for full service.

The facility's laydown lot is lighted and fenced, making it a secure place to store turbines and wind farm supplies. Also in an effort to serve wind industry needs, the lot boasts heavy duty construction design, supporting the largest and heaviest of turbine components without concern for base support.

Ed Weston, director of GLWN, explained that the logistics process involved in bringing together a wind farm is complex. Laydown lots are of particular importance, as contractors work through a sequence of steps to put it all together.

"It's almost a ballet," Weston illustrated. "To try to orchestrate this from a distance is tricky. There is a big investment in site logistics, and getting the items staged and delivered makes a huge difference. The general contractor has to get the project done on time. If a part is not there to lift, or the wrong part, the crane stands waiting.

The big cranes can cost $60,000 a week, Weston said. "That's an expensive problem."

Jacobs agrees, "We should really be able to help our customers save money and time by using our facility. By using our laydown yard, you can work independently of the weather, snags in transportation or the supply of manufacturers. It's always right there when you need it."

A scale and office will also be built onsite to manage components. Jacobs also took great care to make sure surface water will never be a problem at the HRLC or surrounding area. The lot was designed at a higher grade than the surrounding territory with under-drain every 15 feet within the sub-base. The laydown lot is constructed at a 0.5 percent fall toward the outside perimeter and dramatically sheds rain water during extreme downpours.

"The goal of the design was to move water away no matter how heavy the storm," Jacobs explained. "As testimony to the construction, we've experienced over four-inch rainfalls dispatched within hours this summer, and have found zero water residue on the lots."

The logistics center is located directly off of U.S. 68 and is within one mile of Ohio State Routes 67, 309, 31, and 53. U.S 30 is only a short drive to the north. While the center is easily accessible by truck, Weston said the convenience of rail might become the wave of the future, as it is heavily used in Europe now.

"I think the HRLC is a strategic investment for the region and provides wind turbine OEMs an important link to Ohio with a new cost effective method of transporting equipment – and that is rail," Weston said. "We are seeing more wind turbine companies bringing that technology here, and Hardin County and this region are going to benefit as a result of this trend.

"The fact that Jim is there and had foresight to do this project could pay some real benefits."

For more information on the Hardin County Rail Logistics Center, contact Jim Jacobs at 419.661.9360 ext. 1118, or Sarah Mayle at 419.788.0528, or visit American Rail Center's website.