Core Industries has announced plans for an $8.75 million expansion to handle a new contract with CM Biomass. Core Industries, already one of the largest privately held port facilities in the Southeast, will use the new facilities to receive, store and load wood pellets for shipment.
The firm, on the federally maintained, deep-water Theodore Ship Canal near the state docks in Mobile, will add two warehouses, each of 56,700 square feet.
CM Biomass has a pellet production plant in Jackson, Alabama, and recently acquired another in Washington County. Most of the Danish firm’s pellets are aimed at the European market.
“We are very pleased that CM Biomass selected Core Industries to handle its wood pellets,” said Michael Myles, principal owner of Core Industries. “This deal with CM Biomass is an example of Core’s diversity and build-to-suit capabilities. That and our close proximity to Interstates 10 and 65 and the Gulf of Mexico, make Core Industries a logical choice for cargo handling and logistical services.
“We are grateful to the Mobile Chamber for its support to help make this business opportunity possible and look forward to a long partnership with CM Biomass,” said Myles.
Mobile Chamber President and CEO Bradley Byrne added, “This new agreement not only showcases Mobile’s growing stature in the distribution and logistics industry but also highlights the importance of strategic partnerships in driving progress. The investment of $8.8 million and the creation of 28 new jobs reflect our commitment to fostering innovation and propelling the Mobile area forward.”
Mobile County Commission President Randall Dueitt added that the expansion will “aid the global distribution of a high-demand renewable energy product” and “underscore Mobile County’s maritime capacity and growing logistics industry reputation.”
A major private port facility, Core Industries can simultaneously handle multiple vessels up to Panamax Class with 40-foot depth and two docking facilities. It specialized in bulk and break-bulk cargo and has handled products including scrap steel, iron ore, construction aggregates, fertilizers, perlite, pipe, steel coils, forest products, umbilical reels and containers.
