Jaguar Transport Holdings, a prominent player in the North American transportation and logistics sector, has announced a significant expansion of its operations through the acquisition of six rail-related businesses from The Western Group (TWG). This strategic move, finalized on November 1, 2020, includes five short-line railroads and a railroad construction and maintenance company, marking a substantial growth phase for Jaguar Transport Holdings. The acquisition was made possible through a partnership with OPSEU Pension Plan Trust Fund (OPTrust), underscoring the financial strength and industry confidence in Jaguar’s vision.
The Western Group, established in 1972 and based in Ogden, Utah, has built a strong reputation in rail transportation services under the leadership of Dave Durbano. This acquisition by Jaguar Transport Holdings encompasses a diverse portfolio of rail assets:
- Cimarron Valley Railroad: Operating across Southwest Kansas, Northern Oklahoma, and Eastern Colorado, this railroad enhances Jaguar’s reach in key agricultural and energy-producing regions.
- Washington Eastern Railroad: Situated in Eastern Washington, this line provides crucial transportation links within the Pacific Northwest.
- Texas and Eastern Railroad: With operations spanning between Rusk and Palestine, Texas, and including the Texas State Railroad, this acquisition strengthens Jaguar’s presence in the vital Texas transportation network.
- Southwestern Railroad: Located in Southern New Mexico, this railroad adds to Jaguar’s network in the Southwest, facilitating trade and transportation in the region.
- Oregon Eastern Railroad: Serving Eastern Oregon, this line expands Jaguar’s footprint in the Pacific Northwest, complementing the Washington Eastern Railroad.
- The Western Railroad Builders: This railroad engineering, design, construction, and maintenance firm bolsters Jaguar’s in-house capabilities, offering comprehensive services to both industrial and railroad clients.
Founded in 2018 and headquartered in Joplin, Missouri, Jaguar Transport Holdings has quickly established itself as a customer-centric and growth-oriented transportation and logistics service provider. CEO Stu Towner emphasized the company’s approach, stating, “We are proud and excited to have the opportunity to serve the customers, communities, and partners involved with these properties. With our focus on ‘earning the right to grow’ Jaguar Transport Holdings will create long term value for all stakeholders.” He also acknowledged the seamless transition and the legacy of The Western Group, “It has been a great experience working with Dave and Linda Durbano. We appreciate all that they have done and look forward to working with their team members to continuously improve upon the legacy of safe and efficient operations that they have created.”
Dave Durbano of The Western Group expressed confidence in the acquisition, stating, “Selling our companies, some of which were crafted from the ground up 50 years ago, was a tough decision, but we have confidence that Jaguar Transport Holdings was the right company to carry on what we started. In addition to the railroad entities, they acquired a great number of talented and energetic people under a powerful management team whom we are confident will help Jaguar grow and prosper.”
This acquisition highlights Jaguar Transport Holdings‘ innovative commercial strategy. Tim Enayati, SVP Commercial Development at Jaguar, explained, “Our commercial team is industry and commodity specific, not property focused. This gives them a deeper knowledge about specific industries, and the ability to better understand our customers and provide meaningful logistics solutions.” Towner further added, “We listen to our team members and customers and there is no limit to the value we can create together,” reinforcing Jaguar’s commitment to collaborative growth and customer satisfaction.
About Jaguar Transport Holdings
Jaguar Transport Holdings is a leading North American company specializing in owning and operating railroads, terminals, and transloading facilities. With a strategic network across the continent, Jaguar Transport Holdings is dedicated to providing efficient and reliable transportation solutions. For more information, visit www.jag-transport.com.
About OPTrust
OPTrust manages one of Canada’s largest pension funds, with nearly $22 billion in net assets. It administers the OPSEU Pension Plan, a defined benefit plan with over 96,000 members. OPTrust’s investment in Jaguar Transport Holdings reflects its confidence in the transportation and logistics sector and Jaguar’s strategic direction. OPTrust operates under a joint trusteeship governance model, ensuring equal representation from plan members and the Government of Ontario.
