FARGO, N.D. — North Dakota Mill & Elevator said it will invest about $550,000 to replace 600 feet of rail track and install 450 feet of new rail track, giving the company the ability to store eight additional rail cars and aiding in its ability to ship bulk carloads of flour to customers.

Vance Taylor, mill manager, said some of the rail track being replaced is more than a century old and replacing it is necessary to prevent derailments.

The company earlier this month said it posted approximately $1.2 million in profits during January, February and March, down from about $6.2 million in the same period a year ago. Mr. Taylor said this year’s results reflected higher expenses for grain, freight and fuel during the three months.