CHS Inc., North America's leading farmer-owned cooperative and a global energy, grain and food company, announced March 16 that it has purchased Western Co-op Transport Assn., with headquarters in Montevideo, Minn.

"This acquisition strengthens our position in core markets and will allow us to expand our transportation and logistics services to create additional value for our owners and customers," said Patrick Hessini, CHS vice president, transportation and distribution.

Western Co-op Transport Assn. specializes in bulk liquid transport of products such as petroleum, propane, ethanol and liquid crop nutrients. It serves markets in Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin and the Dakotas.

Dispatch and routing operations will move to the CHS dispatch office in Rosemount, Minn. The Montevideo facility will remain in operation as a CHS-owned fleet service center. CHS said it will begin serving customer accounts immediately.