In anticipation of the operation of its Port-Daniel–Gascons cement plant, McInnis Cement announced plans for the construction of one of its cement terminals that will be utilized to ensure the distribution of bulk cement to markets via their maritime services.
McInnis Cement recently held a ceremony to kick off construction of its Sainte-Catherine Terminal. Shown here in front of the site are: Francis Forlini, director of Canadian sales, McInnis Cement; Pierre Cécile, manager, revenue & forecast, St-Lawrence Seaway; Jocelyne Bates, Sainte-Catherine mayor; and Laurent Tourigny, Trac-World CEO.
The Sainte-Catherine Terminal, modern and harmoniously integrated into the industrial area development plan infrastructure, is built along the Boulevard Hébert over an area of two acres and will host two silos erected near the existing wharf. Approximately 25 ships per year should make stops at the terminal. Combined with the use of railways, transport by sea is highly effective. In addition, it provides a lower carbon footprint in comparison with road transport. Furthermore, McInnis will rely on Trac-World to handle the management of logistics operations.
“While the cement plant is a few months away from being fully operational, we are taking the final steps for this important project to take shape and become the expected commercial success,” said Francis Forlini, director of Canadian sales at McInnis Cement. “Through the collaborative work with Trac-World and the city of Sainte-Catherine, we are excited to kick off construction of this terminal, which will become a hub between our manufacturing operations, shipping and cement delivery to our customers,” he concluded.
Sainte-Catherine’s attributes make this intermodal distribution center a prime location added Forlini, noting its centralized location, rail network flexibility toward surrounding areas of Canada and the United States, near Highways 15 and 30 and the Mercier Bridge.
“It’s with great pride to welcome this terminal, which consolidates the port and industrial expertise of Sainte-Catherine,” said the Sainte-Catherine mayor Jocelyne Bates. “Building on the alliance between McInnis Cement and the city, this new, modern terminal will comply with our high standards in terms of urban planning regulations. We are pleased that this Gaspésian project can bring benefits in other areas such as ours.”
The cement transiting in Sainte-Catherine is intended to serve markets in New England, in addition to replacing imports in Quebec and Ontario. To feed its other markets, McInnis plans to build other terminals on the east coast of North America, including recent construction work in Providence, R.I.
“The service agreement with McInnis Cement allows our company to play a leading role, directly related to our expertise,” said Laurent Tourigny, president of Trac-World. “The Sainte-Catherine’s site can thus continue its development by focusing on maritime transportation and putting forward its considerable advantages in terms of strategic location.”
Construction will continue until early 2017 at the site and the Sainte-Catherine Terminal is scheduled to be fully operational by Spring 2017.
