Highway Transport adds depot

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DEPOT • GROWTH IN THE GULF COAST PETROCHEMICAL INDUSTRY PROVIDES SUPPORT FOR HIGHWAY TRANSPORT’S INVESTMENT IN A NEW DEPOT, CLEANING FACILITY AND TRAINING CENTRE

KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE-BASED HIGHWAY Transport has opened a new flagship service centre in Geismar, Louisiana, built at a cost of $12.5m to serve the needs of chemical customers across the Gulf Coast region. It also positions Highway Transport to better serve several prominent chemical companies in the region, where investment is increasing production capacity and attracting new entrants.

“The growth of our Highway Transport family in Louisiana marks an important milestone for our company as we continue to focus on expanding in this region,” says Marshall Franklin, president/CFO of Highway Transport. “By adding a service centre in Geismar, we are better positioned to serve companies in the state’s chemical corridor and beyond. We remain committed to providing award-winning safety and service to our customers, as well as the Geismar community, which is reflected by the environmental safety measures we took in building the facility and setting up our safety and cleaning protocols on-site.”

“Geismar is central to a growing number of chemical plants, including many of Highway Transport’s customers,” adds Barry Hall, managing director of Tank Wash Services, Environmental and Facilities. “A service centre in Geismar is beneficial for our company and our team members to continue to serve clients with a more than 98 per cent on-time rate, while maintaining our commitment to quality and safety.”

The new Geismar facility will act as a central hub for Highway Transport’s own tank trucks and drivers. The office will also coordinate logistics, technology, tank cleaning and other critical operations.

WHAT’S IN THE STORE The two-story Geismar facility includes a six-bay maintenance shop, four-and-a-half-bay tank wash, multiple offices and a conference room. It also has space to accommodate up to 150 of the firm’s 400-strong truck fleet.

It also provides full amenities for its drivers, including a comfortable break room to watch television and movies, wifi access, showers and more within the secure, gated facility. “Highway Transport cares about its drivers and employees and this flagship facility was built with their safety and convenience in mind,” says Lucian Welch, the centre’s manager. “Feedback from our drivers and team members thus far has been positive, and they know Highway Transport cares about them.”

The Geismar centre also houses a training centre, Highway Transport’s second and the first in the Gulf Coast region. The training facility is designed in part to onboard drivers joining the company with instructions on the company’s safety protocols.

Just as important is its impact on the local economy: the centre is projected to create 36 new jobs, with another 76 indirect jobs. This was marked by the presence of Governor John Bel Edwards at the centre’s opening; he said: “As a key service provider to process chemical manufacturers in our state, this is the sort of investment that can only take place if our economy remains poised for continued growth and new economic wins. Highway Transport’s new facility signals that Louisiana is a key market for major bulk transportation of specialty chemicals, and we look forward to the company’s continued growth and success in our state.”

Kate MacArthur, president/CEO of the Ascension Parish Economic Development Corporation, added: “We are grateful that Highway Transport chose to invest in Ascension Parish and commit to making Geismar a long-term home by building their state-of-the-art facility and training centre here. They are an asset to our community and provide critical logistics services to our businesses and excellent jobs for our residents.” hytt.com

HIGHWAY TRANSPORT HAS DESIGNED ITS NEW