By Mandy Witt

 

Rail is Making a Comeback—And Janesville’s Former GM Site Wants One Too

For years, the former GM site in Janesville has been a reminder of the past, but beneath its industrial shell lies an untapped opportunity for logistics, distribution, and manufacturing. With direct rail access, immediate proximity to I-39/I-90, and ample space for large-scale operations, this site is a prime contender for companies looking to optimize supply chains—including Amazon.

Is Rail Making a Comeback? Why Amazon (or a Company Like It) Should Bet on Janesville’s Former GM Site 

Rail transport is no longer an afterthought in logistics—it’s becoming a key driver in modern supply chain strategies:

  • Lower Shipping Costs – Rail reduces per-ton-mile costs, making it ideal for high-volume freight and inbound inventory.
  • Supply Chain Resilience – With trucking labor shortages and rising fuel costs, rail provides a stable, long-term alternative.
  • Sustainability – As companies push for lower emissions, rail reduces carbon footprints significantly compared to trucking.

 

Amazon is already pivoting toward rail-connected cross-dock facilities, integrating rail into its fulfillment and distribution network to cut costs and improve efficiency. If major companies are investing in rail-fed logistics, shouldn’t Janesville’s former GM site be part of the conversation?

Why Janesville and Beloit Could Work Together

Amazon’s Beloit facility is a key regional hub, but it doesn’t cover every aspect of the supply chain. Janesville could fill the gaps and enhance Amazon’s Midwest operations:

 

  • Rail-Connected Fulfillment – Unlike Beloit, Janesville offers direct rail access, allowing Amazon to lower inbound shipping costs and streamline its supply chain.
  • Cross-Dock or Bulk Storage – Beloit focuses on last-mile delivery, but Janesville could serve as a cross-dock facility or bulk inventory hub, keeping inventory closer to Midwest customers.
  • Scalability & Growth Potential – Amazon is constantly expanding. Janesville offers a larger footprint for robotics-driven fulfillment, distribution, or even manufacturing.
  • Multi-Modal Advantage – Rail and highway access together create a cost-effective long-haul shipping network and fast regional trucking distribution.

By pairing Beloit’s last-mile operations with Janesville’s rail-fed supply chain capabilities, Amazon could build an even more efficient, cost-effective Midwest logistics network.

If Not Amazon, Who?

If Amazon doesn’t seize this opportunity, other major companies should be looking at Janesville:

 

  • Retail & E-Commerce Giants – Walmart, Target, or Home Depot need fulfillment centers with strong transport access.
  • Logistics & Shipping Companies – UPS, FedEx, or DHL could use the site as a regional distribution hub, leveraging both rail and highway access.
  • Manufacturers & Suppliers – EV manufacturers, automotive and industrial suppliers could benefit from rail-to-road transport efficiency.
  • Industrial Supply & Warehousing – Companies like Grainger, ULINE, or Caterpillar could cut shipping costs and optimize supply chains with a rail-fed Midwest hub.

The Bottom Line

Janesville’s former GM site has what companies need: logistics infrastructure, scalability, and direct rail access. As rail continues to rise in importance, this site could be a game-changer for Amazon or any company looking to optimize supply chains with cost-effective, efficient logistics.

It’s not about whether Janesville’s GM site should be considered—it’s about how many opportunities are being missed simply because the right company hasn’t discovered it yet.

 

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