BNSF Railway Company (BNSF) today reported that its customers invested nearly $7.7 billion in new facilities or expansions in 2017.

According to a company release, the figure reflects several large investments by customers including Iowa Fertilizer Company, Spectrum Brands and Ganahl Lumber Company.

BNSF said the investments are expected to generate approximately 3,500 new jobs in local communities. This marks the seventh consecutive year that BNSF customers and local economic development organizations have invested more than $1 billion in a calendar y...