(Gannett Wisconsin Newspapers circulated the following on September 27.)
STEVENS POINT, Wisc. — Canadian National Railway Co. will close its dispatch operations in Stevens Point by the middle of next year.
A spokesman for the railroad said the decision was made to “consolidate” the dispatch operations out of Chicago.
“As we reviewed our operations and look for other efficiencies, the decision was made,” Jim Kvedaras said. “The dispatchers can operate anywhere. It’s better for us to have the people directing train operations to be in close proximity so if there is something that happens our communications can be that much quicker.”
CN bought the railroad in 2001 and acquired the Stevens Point dispatch center as well as the switch yard.
“Once we came on board we left things alone,” Kvedaras said. “We are always looking at ways to make our operations more efficient. Every business is doing the same thing.”
Kvedaras said the employees who will be affected will have the opportunity to continue with the company if they chose. He did not know how many positions would be lost.