Recognition highlights the local team behind safe ethanol transportation from Cambria
CAMBRIA, Wis. — Before a railcar leaves Didion’s Cambria facility, a team of employees has already checked, prepared, loaded, and inspected it with one goal in mind: making sure the shipment moves safely from start to finish.
That work earned Didion the 2025 Norfolk Southern Thoroughbred Safety Award, which recognizes customers that safely transported or originated shipments on Norfolk Southern’s rail network without a rail-shipment incident.
The annual award honors companies that demonstrate exceptional attention to safety when handling hazardous materials. For Didion, it also highlights the people and everyday practices behind safe ethanol transportation—details that help protect communities, freight, critical supply chains, and the people who live and work along the routes where shipments travel.
“This distinction underscores a shared commitment to safety, reliability, and precision in how critical materials move across our network. We are proud to partner with organizations that lead with accountability and strengthen the essential supply chains that power our economy,” said Ed Elkins, Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer, Norfolk Southern.
The recognition reflects a process that begins well before product is in motion. Team members prepare, inspect, and load ethanol railcars before they leave the company’s facilities, following procedures designed to support safe movement across Norfolk Southern’s network.
The ethanol shipped from Cambria is part of Didion’s integrated approach to using the whole corn kernel. Corn grown primarily by Wisconsin producers is first transformed into food ingredients, and the parts of the kernel not used for food products are repurposed at the company’s co-located Didion Bioscience facility. There, they become a home-grown, 100% renewable energy source that supports local agriculture and helps fuel communities.
Didion previously received the award in 2018 and 2023. Company leaders said the repeat recognition reflects a long-standing focus on rail transportation safety and operational excellence.
“Safety is built into every step of the process and is a commitment our team makes to themselves and each other,” said Riley Didion, CEO at Didion. “This recognition is a direct reflection of the focus, discipline, and care our teams bring to their work every day.”
While many teams contribute to safe shipments, Didion gave special recognition to its Ethanol Loadout team and the leaders who support their work. Their attention to detail, commitment to procedures, and focus on high standards help ensure every shipment is prepared with care.
“Every safe shipment supports our larger purpose to Feed and Fuel the World,” Riley Didion said. “We are proud of our team members whose commitment helps move essential products reliably, responsibly, and with care.”
About Didion
Didion is a family-owned food and biofuels company headquartered in Cambria, Wisconsin. For nearly 55 years, Didion has partnered with local producers to transform corn into high-quality food ingredients, clean-burning ethanol, and valuable co-products that help feed families, support agriculture, and fuel communities. Guided by its purpose to Feed and Fuel the World, Didion is committed to safety, operational excellence, innovation, and strong community partnerships.
Media Contact:
Diana Henry
dhenry@didioninc.com
