PERTH, AUSTRALIA — CBH Group recently commemorated the arrival of its new narrow-gauge locomotives and wagons at Metro Grain Centre in Forrestfield, part of what the company said is the largest rail fleet investment in its history.

CBH said the new fleet on track will help move more grain to port faster and in the windows that deliver the most value, supporting Western Australia (WA) grain growers for years to come.

“This milestone is more than new rolling stock,” CBH said. “It is CBH’s co-operative model and Path to 2033 Strategy in action — grower value being reinvested into the supply chain WA growers own and rely on.”

Since 2022, CBH has been investing in its supply chain capabilities as part of its strategy to build a peak monthly export capacity of 3 million tonnes. CBH’s storage and handling system receives and exports about 90% of the Western Australian grain harvest.

CBH Group purchased 17 new narrow-gauge CM20ACi dual-cab, diesel-electric locomotives for its rail fleet through an agreement with US-based Wabtec Corp.

Seven standard-gauge locomotives are expected to begin arriving in December 2026 to complete the new fleet, which also includes 650 new wagons.

John Reidy is senior digital media editor for World Grain, covering the grain, flour and feed industries. He spent 25 years in newspapers as a reporter and editor and has been an editor in the grain industry since 2019. He joined Sosland Publishing Company in 2021. He is a graduate of Creighton University with a degree in journalism. Connect with John Reidy on LinkedIn or via email.