Ash Grove upgrades Florida import terminal

PORT MANATEE, FLA. — Cement supplier Ash Grove, a CRH company, is undertaking a major project to improve its capacity to import cement, cement slag and flyash at its Port Manatee, Fla. deep water import terminal to meet customer demand in Florida and south Georgia.

The upgrade project includes the addition of a high capacity FLS/Kovako ship unloader at the terminal, together with the upgrade of existing material transfer and electrical systems and the addition of self-loading capabilities, indicates a release. Construction is scheduled to begin in early 2021, with the facility in full operation by the end of the year.

The infrastructure improvements and new technology will increase efficiency and improve environmental performance at the terminal, leveraging its existing silo capacity and complementing the capabilities of Ash Grove’s cement plants in Sumterville and Branford, adds the release.

“The underlying fundamentals in the Florida market are positive with good population and employment growth. The upgrade of the Port Manatee import terminal will expand our capabilities and strengthen our ability to meet growing demand in the region,” said Ash Grove regional president Monica Manolas in a statement.