MOSS POINT, MISS., MAY 14, 2024 — Mississippi Export Railroad (MSE) held a Gold Spike Ceremony for a new railcar repair shop specializing in tank qualification at the Helena Industrial Complex, Moss Point, Mississippi, on May 13. The Mark B. Miller Railcar Repair Shop, named after the company’s retired Vice President of Operations for 22 years, will service outside customers, specializing in tank qualification, cleaning, and blast & painting, bringing new business and growth to Jackson County.

“The new Tank Qualification Shop will be built on a 12-acre site in our Helena Industrial Complex,” said Kate Bourgeois, President and Chief Executive Officer of Mississippi Export Railroad. “The complex site is certified and shovel-ready to begin construction. We hope to add up to 24 new full-time jobs within the first five years of operation.” Tank cars transport various liquid commodities, including water, ethanol, crude oil, vegetable oil, and propane. At regular intervals, tank cars must be inspected or “qualified” by certified personnel to ensure their safety for carrying these commodities. The qualification process involves visual inspections, structural integrity checks, thickness testing, safety system evaluations, complete valve rebuilds, leakage pressure tests and internal coating inspections.

While tank car inspection and qualification are less common than other types of railcar maintenance, such as preventative maintenance repair, the services help protect the environment and the communities served by rail and ensure the long-term, overall safety of rail transportation. “The MSE team is proud to be able to fill this important need for our industry,” said Bourgeois. “MSE will now be ready to inspect and qualify tank cars for use all over the country while at the same time growing Jackson County’s economy.”