This expansion for the 126-year-old NOCS, one of the largest suppliers to poultry, beef, pork and other exporters in the Unitec States, will add 125 direct new jobs and generate $126 million in annual spending.
"We have reached the end of a long road traveled since Hurricane Katrina, and we are poised for growth. The storm and subsequent closing of the Mississippi River-Gulf Outlet made it uncertain whether we could keep operations in New Orleans open," said NOCS President and CEO Mark Blanchard. "But with the help of the State and The Port of New Orleans, we are expanding by opening our new, state-of-the art terminal at the Henry Clay Street Wharf."
The actual construction was done by Primus Builders, Woodstock, Georgia. "Our team worked alongside NOCS to provide innovative solutions to climate challenges, a flexible layout and sustainable elements that will serve the Port for years to come. To help revitalize the riverfront was an amazing opportunity," said Primus Builders President and Founding Partner Richard O'Connell. The NOCS terminal is the first design-build project the Port has ever implemented. By staying within budget on a fast-tracked schedule with McDonnel/Primus Joint Venture (MPJV) and NOCS, the completed build is becoming an example of how other Louisiana ports may expand and build in the future.
The new Henry Clay facility can store 38 million pounds of perishable products and can freeze up to 1.25 million pounds of fresh product each day. Operations at the new terminal include blast freezing, handling, warehousing and stevedoring - the loading and unloading of vessels -- of export poultry and beef products. The building was constructed with the latest environmentally friendly technology to cut down on energy expenses and increase efficiency. It includes LED lighting, room to berth two ships, the ability to load perishable products into containers and transfer the cargo to the Port of New Orleans container terminal for ocean transport. The new Henry Clay Wharf location is so close to the Port of New Orleans Container Terminal, overall efficiency will increase because of their close proximity.
