A building materials company celebrated the completion Thursday of a $36 million expansion to its terminal at Port Tampa Bay.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Cemex US invested $29 million into its marine aggregate terminal and received another $7 million through a grant from the Florida Department of Transportation. The expansion significantly increases the terminal\u2019s capacity to receive, store and distribute the aggregate materials used in concrete, asphalt and construction projects throughout the region.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The Houston-based company transports its aggregates from Newfoundland, Canada, to Tampa Bay via Port Tampa Bay\u2019s deepwater berths, using a large conveying system to move approximately 5,000 tons of material per hour from ship to storage, according to a release. Cemex US officials say they expect the expanded terminal to handle approximately 1.5 million tons of aggregate each year, depending on shipping conditions \u2014 creating a reliable source of the critical construction material for use in projects throughout the Tampa Bay region.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cThe completion of our aggregate terminal at Port Tampa Bay strengthens Cemex\u2019s ability to serve one of Florida\u2019s fastest-growing regions with the essential materials needed to build and maintain critical infrastructure \u2014 from roads and schools to hospitals and housing,\u201d Jesus Gonzalez, president of Cemex US, says in the release.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The expansion makes Cemex US\u2019s terminal at Port Tampa Bay the only location where the company can house an aggregate terminal, a cement terminal and a ready-mix concrete plant in one location, the release says.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Tampa Mayor Jane Castor was on hand Thursday to celebrate the opening of the expanded port, which she says will strengthen regional supply chains while ensuring that essential aggregate building material remains available at a predictable cost.\u00a0<\/p>\n