Trainor Grain acquired by PC Co-op
The grain elevator operation of Trainor Grain & Supply Co. has been acquired by Prairie Central Cooperative.
Trainor Grain elevators are located at Wing, Saunemin, Swygert, Emington and Dwight. The plan has been in the works for several months and the closing was last week.
“We are going to be adding five locations to Prairie Central,” explained Prairie Central Cooperative general manager Mark Heil. “We are going to have 13 total facilities here when we are completed.”
This takes Prairie Central’s territory farther east in Livingston County. They have made the decision to discontinue use of the Dwight facility, which was part of Trainor Grain.
“That will help us with the other existing grain elevators that Prairie Central has across our trade territory in Livingston and McLean counties,” adds Heil.
Heil said this is the largest acquisition for Prairie Central in the last few decades. They built a new facility near Chenoa in recent years and also have current locations in Weston, Ocoya, Meadows, Pontiac, Fairbury, Flanagan, Lexington and Sunbury.
“Harvest time is important for everyone in agriculture and the grain business. We are going to get to know our new customers in the area,” said Heil.
Prairie Central’s roots go back over a century owned by the local cooperatives. The company has 40 full-time staff and three shuttle loading facilities where they are able to reach five of North America’s seven class one railroads which lead to important destinations. The co-op ships plenty of rail cars of corn in all directions depending on the year.
Jack Trainor and his family have provided loyal service to customers of Trainor Grain for 64 years spanning multiple generations.
“They should be really proud of that and the work they’ve done. At Prairie Central, we look to move that forward,” added Heil.
While working with the Trainor family, Heil could sense the pride and work they have done over the years to build a strong business.
The Trainor fertilizer department will still run as Trainor Fertilizer, according to information online.
“We have so appreciated your business and friendships over the last 64 years,” the Trainor Grain website stated.
More information on the grain acquisition can be obtained by contacting the Prairie Central Cooperative headquarters at 815-945-7866 or by visiting www.prairiecentralcoop.com.
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