Industrial Development Briefs: Third Coast, UIPA

Third Coast is undertaking a rail expansion project within its Pearland, Tex., chemical plant, adding 40 railcar spots to accommodate increased demand for inbound and outbound rail movements. (Third Coast Photograph)

BNSF-served Third Coast, a chemical contract manufacturer, is expanding its Pearland, Tex., operations to better serve the U.S. Gulf Coast chemical industry. Also, Utah Inland Port Authority (UIPA) adopts the West Weber Project Area for industrial development near Union Pacific (UP).

Third Coast

Third Coast on May 16 reported undertaking a rail expansion within its Pearland, Tex., chemical plant, adding 40 railcar spots to accommodate increased demand for inbound and outbound rail movements. The project, it said, will increase the total number of railcars on-site to more than 125. Additionally, the site will extend operating hours to seven days per week, 12 hours per day for bulk operations starting next month. “This move comes in response to increased customer demand, requiring more capacity for loading, unloading and blending activities,” Third Coast said. “The expansion marks a significant step towards achieving round-the-clock operations plant-wide, building on the site’s existing 24/7 reaction chemistry operation.”

To support the market demand for Gulf Coast manufacturing, Third Coast said it will also add a 10-stage batch distillation column with a capacity of 26,000 gallons (94 MT). This carbon steel unit is scheduled to be commissioned in third-quarter 2024, bringing the total number of reactors on-site to 10. Work will begin, too, on a new facility entrance, Gate 3, to reduce congestion; it is expected to be completed in first-quarter 2025.

UIPA

UIPA, in collaboration with Weber County, Utah, reported the official adoption of the West Weber Project Area for industrial development on the eastern shores of the Great Salt Lake. Located near UP, Interstate 15, Interstate 84, U.S. Highway 89, and a regional airport, the project area encompasses approximately 9,000 acres in northern Utah. A wetlands strategy has also been established.

UITA said the project plan was crafted following consultations with local stakeholders, including property owners, environmental advocates, and community members, “ensuring a comprehensive and inclusive approach to development.”

“Weber County has cemented itself as a powerhouse for Utah-based manufacturers,” according to UIPA. “Autoliv, a motor vehicle parts manufacturer, is one of the largest employers of the county, employing more than 2,000 people.” Other manufacturers in the county include Northrop Grumman, an aerospace and defense manufacturer, employing more than 1,000; Freseni USA Manufacturing, a surgical and medical instruments manufacturer, employing more than 1,000; Parker Hannifin, an aerospace manufacturer, employing 500; Nutrabrands, a pharmaceutical manufacturing company, employing 500; Williams International, an aerospace manufacturer, employing 500; Ralcorp Frozen Bakery Products, a cookie and cracker manufacturer, employing 500; Capstone Nutrition, a pharmaceutical manufacturing company, employing 500; and Petersen Inc., a plate work manufacturing company, employing 500. According to UIPA, the federal government also employs thousands of people in the area, between the Department of the Treasury and Department of Defense.

Weber County is served by UP and BNSF. “Union Pacific owns all railroad infrastructure in the county,” according to UIPA. “BNSF has trackage rights over the Salt Lake Subdivision to the Ogden Yard. In addition to the two Class I railroads, two short lines—the Utah Central Railroad (owned by Patriot Rail) and the Utah Railway (owned by Genesee & Wyoming)—operate inside Weber County. The proposed project area is presently serviced by the Union Pacific, Utah Central, and Utah Railway. Ogden serves as a strategic junction point where multiple main lines converge and multiple subdivisions meet. The Ogden and Riverdale yards serve a major railcar classification area with Union Pacific opting in recent years to shift an increasing amount of traffic to those facilities. In addition, Ogden is an important junction in Union Pacific’s intermodal network, with container traffic from Los Angeles, Long Beach, and Oakland all converging in Ogden before moving to points further inland. Inspite of the increased amount of traffic that is being routed through Ogden, both the Ogden and Riverdale yards have capacity for growth. Both the Utah Central and Utah short line railroads serve customers in the greater Ogden area providing convenience and consistency to rail-served customers while maintaining proximity to a major Class I rail yard for expedited carload service. Weber County has 90 rail-served customers. One is located inside the present boundaries of the proposed project area. The customer, Western Zirconium Inc., is one of the largest rail-served customers by carload volume in the State of Utah.”

“The adoption of the West Weber Project Area by the UIPA Board underlines our commitment to fostering economic growth while ensuring environmental stewardship and respect for community values,” said Ben Hart, Executive Director of UIPA. “This project will not only create high-quality jobs but also significantly boost the economic landscape of Northern Utah through thoughtful and strategic industrial development.”

“This initiative represents a significant opportunity for economic and community development, promising to synergize Weber County’s industrial capabilities with our commitment to the environment and well-being of our residents,” said Gage Froerer, Weber County Commissioner.