The recent track reconstruction in the Village of Coleman appears to have had a positive impact as two local industries have announced plans to increase rail traffic.

 The Coleman Flour Mill will install a new grain dryer at their facilities. The speed and effeciency of the dryer will allow the mill to increase it's production by 1 full carload of flour a day. This will also require more grain deliveries. On a weekly basis, the Dunbar & Wausaukee Railroad expects to see an increase of about 9 additional carloads of wheat delivered and 6 addition carloads of flour to be picked up. And the flour mill expects to add an additional 12 to 15 jobs as a result of the increased production. 

The new grain dyer will run on propane and a large tank will be installed alongside the grain unloading trackat the mill. This will result in an occasional need for a tank car of propane to be delivered for refills. 

In a separate announcement, Northwoods Furniture, a manufacturer of high end rustic furniture has announced their plan to begin shipping by rail again. Northwoods has been shipping by truck for the last 8 years due to the poor track conditions and service provided by the previous railroad. A large percentage of the finished product is shipped to an east coast distribution center and shipping by rail will result in a substantial reduction in shipping costs. 

"The rebuilding of these tracks has been a win-win situation for Coleman" said Village President Glenn Woulf. "The railroad will see increased business and the Village will benefit from more jobs and less trucks congesting the downtown streets. Those trucks also cause serious wear and tear to our streets".