Maritime Economic Development; Jacksonville, South Louisiana
Hans-Mill Corporation Joins JAXPORT’s FTZ No. 64
Hans-Mill Corporation, a manufacturer of metal and plastic household products, will soon open a state-of-the-art manufacturing center near JAXPORT’s North Jacksonville marine terminals. The 121,000-square-foot facility will be used for manufacturing, assembling and distributing stainless steel trash cans and plastic household products sold at major retailers worldwide.
Hans-Mill will use JAXPORT to import materials used in its manufacturing process from Asia, as well as for the import of finished goods for U.S. distribution. In addition, the company has been granted permission to operate within JAXPORT’s Foreign Trade Zone No. 64. The facility, which already serves as the company’s headquarters, represents an $11 million investment in Northeast Florida and creates 23 new, direct jobs.
"The efficiencies Northeast Florida provides have allowed us to bring some of the manufacturing that is traditionally done overseas back to the United States," said Kenneth Ubillus, Hans-Mill Director of Operations. "We felt welcome in Jacksonville from the very beginning and look forward to being a visible part of this community."
Hans-Mill joins other household names, including Michaels Stores, Inc., Coach, Inc. and Bacardi Limited, in taking advantage of FTZ No. 64’s cost savings and streamlined Customs processes.
"Hans-Mill’s decision to invest here highlights the many advantages we offer the industry," said JAXPORT interim CEO Eric Green. "Excellent ocean service options from Asia, cost-effective transportation, 60 million plus consumers nearby and a business-friendly environment, all continue to attract manufacturing here."
Noranda Alumina to Expand Facility Within Port of South Louisiana
The Port of South Louisiana reports that Noranda Bauxite & Alumina will invest $35 million to expand and upgrade its alumina refinery in St. James Parish. The company also plans to establish its headquarters at the Gramercy complex.
The plant, built by Kaiser Aluminum & Chemical Corp., has operated in St. James Parish since 1958. It is located on the eastern bank of the Mississippi River.
The project will include the design and installation of equipment to increase the production, storage and shipping capabilities of chemical-grade alumina. Known as CGA, the product is used in many industrial applications, including water treatment, flame retardants, catalysts for oil, gas and petrochemical refining, building materials and insulation. It will create 65 direct jobs, including 15 corporate headquarters jobs, at an average annual salary of $90,000, plus benefits.
"The Port of South Louisiana is excited about Noranda’s $35 million investment in St. James Parish within our port district, together with the retention of existing jobs and the new jobs the expansion will create for the River Region community," said Port Executive Director Paul Aucoin. "We look forward to working with Noranda throughout the process."