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Northwest Grains International, LLC breaks ground on agricultural transload facility in Dillon County

DILLON, SC — JUNE 11, 2021 — South Carolina Ports welcomes customer Northwest Grains International, LLC to Inland Port Dillon and Dillon County, S.C.

Northwest Grains International, LLC is breaking ground on an agricultural transload operation in Dillon County to serve agricultural producers. The operation will handle containerized soybeans, lumber, logs, peanuts, cotton, cotton seed and yellow peas for export through the Port of Charleston via rail-served Inland Port Dillon.

The new transload operation sits next to Inland Port Dillon. Northwest Grains will load crops into containers at its site, and the containers will then be loaded onto CSX trains at Inland Port Dillon to be efficiently delivered to the Port of Charleston for export to overseas markets.

This investment will provide farmers in the Pee Dee region, as well as farmers throughout South Carolina and North Carolina, better access to global markets.

“We are excited to welcome Northwest Grains International, LLC to South Carolina Ports,” SC Ports President and CEO Jim Newsome said. “The company’s decision to invest in Dillon County and use Inland Port Dillon will further support farmers and agricultural business across the Carolinas. We are proud to play a role in supporting agriculture export growth in the Southeast.”

Construction on the site began this month. The operation is scheduled to open in late October, in time for soybean season. The $2.5 million investment will create five to 10 jobs.

“We found a great partner in South Carolina Ports, which shares in our commitment of providing excellent service and reliable shipping,” said Gary Mao, the founder and president of Northwest Grains International, LLC. “Our investment in Dillon County and partnership with SC Ports will enable us to support U.S. farmers by exporting containerized agricultural products. We look forward to our future growth in South Carolina.”

This operation will offer exporters greater access to containers, as well as provide faster turnaround times for ocean carriers’ containers. SC Ports anticipates handling 1,000 containers through the facility each year.

“This new facility will support the regional agricultural economy by reducing supply chain costs and swiftly exporting products for farmers,” SC Ports Chief Operating Officer Barbara Melvin said. “Our team is proud that our efficient operations will directly benefit farmers throughout the Carolinas.”

SC Ports opened Inland Port Dillon in 2018 to provide direct rail access to the Port of Charleston. The inland port enables customers in the Southeast to quickly receive imports and move exports. Port operations generate a $7.1 billion economic impact in the Pee Dee region each year, according to an economic impact study.

Notable quotes

“Northwest Grains International, LLC’s investment into an agricultural transload operation in Dillon County will create jobs and supports farmers throughout South Carolina and beyond. SC Ports’ well-run Inland Port Dillon continues to bring growth to the Pee Dee region by creating a direct connection to the Port of Charleston for our businesses.” — Senator Kent Williams

“We are excited to welcome Northwest Grains International, LLC to Dillon County. This operation will support soybean farmers and other agricultural businesses in our state, thanks in large part to SC Ports’ rail-served Inland Port Dillon and efficient port operations.” — Rep. (Coach) Jackie Hayes

“Northwest Grains International, LLC’s new agricultural transload operation is a great example of how Inland Port Dillon is creating opportunities for farmers to grow their businesses. Inland Port Dillon’s rail capabilities and South Carolina Ports’ connection to global markets are helping grow South Carolina agriculture exports and keep our agribusiness industry strong.” — South Carolina Commissioner of Agriculture Hugh Weathers

“Dillon County Council welcomes Northwest Grains International, LLC to our community. This agricultural transload facility will support agricultural producers in our region and create jobs for our citizens. Inland Port Dillon played a huge role in attracting the company here, and this partnership will yield economic benefits to the Pee Dee region for many years.” — Dillon County Council Chairman T.F. “Buzzy” Finklea

“Dillon County offers many great assets to businesses looking to locate in South Carolina, such as our rail-served inland port, which provides a direct connection to the Port of Charleston. Northwest Grains International, LLC showcases the tremendous opportunities found in Dillon County. We look forward to seeing this company launch operations in support of our farmers.” — Dillon County Administrator and Economic Development Director Clay Young

About Northwest Grains International, LLC

Northwest Grains International, LLC was founded by Gary Mao. Northwest Grains has grown considerably since, with the goal of being the largest exporter of containerized agricultural products in the U.S. The company has created a network of dedicated transloaders and direct ocean carrier contracts to facilitate the growth of the business and to serve its customers better. By utilizing an efficient and integrated procurement and logistics process, the company is able to deliver competitively priced products to each customer it serves. The company has focused on sourcing only the highest quality products from the best production areas in the country.

About South Carolina Ports Authority

South Carolina Ports Authority, established by the state's General Assembly in 1942, owns and operates public seaport and intermodal facilities in Charleston, Dillon, Georgetown and Greer. As an economic development engine for the state, Port operations facilitate 225,000 statewide jobs and generate nearly $63.4 billion in annual economic activity. SC Ports is soon to be home to the deepest harbor on the U.S. East Coast at 52 feet. SC Ports is an industry leader in delivering speed-to-market, seamless processes and flexibility to ensure reliable operations, big ship handling, efficient market reach and environmental responsibility. Please visit www.scspa.com to learn more about SC Ports.

Northwest Grains International, LLC breaks ground on agricultural transload facility in Dillon County

DILLON, SC — JUNE 11, 2021 — South Carolina Ports welcomes customer Northwest Grains International, LLC to Inland Port Dillon and Dillon County, S.C.

Northwest Grains International, LLC is breaking ground on an agricultural transload operation in Dillon County to serve agricultural producers. The operation will handle containerized soybeans, lumber, logs, peanuts, cotton, cotton seed and yellow peas for export through the Port of Charleston via rail-served Inland Port Dillon.

The new transload operation sits next to Inland Port Dillon. Northwest Grains will load crops into containers at its site, and the containers will then be loaded onto CSX trains at Inland Port Dillon to be efficiently delivered to the Port of Charleston for export to overseas markets.

This investment will provide farmers in the Pee Dee region, as well as farmers throughout South Carolina and North Carolina, better access to global markets.

“We are excited to welcome Northwest Grains International, LLC to South Carolina Ports,” SC Ports President and CEO Jim Newsome said. “The company’s decision to invest in Dillon County and use Inland Port Dillon will further support farmers and agricultural business across the Carolinas. We are proud to play a role in supporting agriculture export growth in the Southeast.”

Construction on the site began this month. The operation is scheduled to open in late October, in time for soybean season. The $2.5 million investment will create five to 10 jobs.

“We found a great partner in South Carolina Ports, which shares in our commitment of providing excellent service and reliable shipping,” said Gary Mao, the founder and president of Northwest Grains International, LLC. “Our investment in Dillon County and partnership with SC Ports will enable us to support U.S. farmers by exporting containerized agricultural products. We look forward to our future growth in South Carolina.”

This operation will offer exporters greater access to containers, as well as provide faster turnaround times for ocean carriers’ containers. SC Ports anticipates handling 1,000 containers through the facility each year.

“This new facility will support the regional agricultural economy by reducing supply chain costs and swiftly exporting products for farmers,” SC Ports Chief Operating Officer Barbara Melvin said. “Our team is proud that our efficient operations will directly benefit farmers throughout the Carolinas.”

SC Ports opened Inland Port Dillon in 2018 to provide direct rail access to the Port of Charleston. The inland port enables customers in the Southeast to quickly receive imports and move exports. Port operations generate a $7.1 billion economic impact in the Pee Dee region each year, according to an economic impact study.

Notable quotes

“Northwest Grains International, LLC’s investment into an agricultural transload operation in Dillon County will create jobs and supports farmers throughout South Carolina and beyond. SC Ports’ well-run Inland Port Dillon continues to bring growth to the Pee Dee region by creating a direct connection to the Port of Charleston for our businesses.” — Senator Kent Williams

“We are excited to welcome Northwest Grains International, LLC to Dillon County. This operation will support soybean farmers and other agricultural businesses in our state, thanks in large part to SC Ports’ rail-served Inland Port Dillon and efficient port operations.” — Rep. (Coach) Jackie Hayes

“Northwest Grains International, LLC’s new agricultural transload operation is a great example of how Inland Port Dillon is creating opportunities for farmers to grow their businesses. Inland Port Dillon’s rail capabilities and South Carolina Ports’ connection to global markets are helping grow South Carolina agriculture exports and keep our agribusiness industry strong.” — South Carolina Commissioner of Agriculture Hugh Weathers

“Dillon County Council welcomes Northwest Grains International, LLC to our community. This agricultural transload facility will support agricultural producers in our region and create jobs for our citizens. Inland Port Dillon played a huge role in attracting the company here, and this partnership will yield economic benefits to the Pee Dee region for many years.” — Dillon County Council Chairman T.F. “Buzzy” Finklea

“Dillon County offers many great assets to businesses looking to locate in South Carolina, such as our rail-served inland port, which provides a direct connection to the Port of Charleston. Northwest Grains International, LLC showcases the tremendous opportunities found in Dillon County. We look forward to seeing this company launch operations in support of our farmers.” — Dillon County Administrator and Economic Development Director Clay Young

About Northwest Grains International, LLC

Northwest Grains International, LLC was founded by Gary Mao. Northwest Grains has grown considerably since, with the goal of being the largest exporter of containerized agricultural products in the U.S. The company has created a network of dedicated transloaders and direct ocean carrier contracts to facilitate the growth of the business and to serve its customers better. By utilizing an efficient and integrated procurement and logistics process, the company is able to deliver competitively priced products to each customer it serves. The company has focused on sourcing only the highest quality products from the best production areas in the country.

About South Carolina Ports Authority

South Carolina Ports Authority, established by the state's General Assembly in 1942, owns and operates public seaport and intermodal facilities in Charleston, Dillon, Georgetown and Greer. As an economic development engine for the state, Port operations facilitate 225,000 statewide jobs and generate nearly $63.4 billion in annual economic activity. SC Ports is soon to be home to the deepest harbor on the U.S. East Coast at 52 feet. SC Ports is an industry leader in delivering speed-to-market, seamless processes and flexibility to ensure reliable operations, big ship handling, efficient market reach and environmental responsibility. Please visit www.scspa.com to learn more about SC Ports.

SC Ports Opens Inland Port Dillon

DILLON, SC - April 16, 2018 - Today South Carolina Ports Authority held the grand opening of Inland Port Dillon, its second inland facility constructed in the state to handle strong growth of the Port's intermodal rail cargo volumes and deepen the Port's reach into markets through the Carolinas to the Northeast and Midwest.

"Inland ports provide needed infrastructure in the interior of the state to support the movement of freight to and from our marine terminals," said Jim Newsome, SCPA president and CEO. "The addition of Inland Port Dillon to the Port's network diversifies our reach and enables port users to gain logistics efficiencies through rail transportation of their cargo. We've had tremendous support from the Dillon region to date and look forward to growing our cargo base for the facility."

Inland Port Dillon utilizes an existing CSX intermodal train service to handle container movement to and from the Port of Charleston's productive seaport facilities. Inland Port Dillon is expected to convert an estimated 45,000 container movements from truck to rail in the first year of operation.

"Our ports system is one of the most important driving forces behind South Carolina's recent economic success, and with the help of the Inland Port Dillon, it always will be," said Governor Henry McMaster. "With two inland ports and the Port of Charleston soon to be the deepest on the East Coast, South Carolina has strategic advantages that no other state has, and that will continue to pay off for the people of our great state."

The facility will handle the growing volume of container cargo traveling to and from the Port of Charleston via intermodal rail, which has increased 180percent increase since 2011. Today, nearly 25 percent of the Port's container volume moves by rail.

"CSX is pleased to be a key link in extending the South Carolina Port Authority's reach from the Port of Charleston to the Pee Dee Region of South Carolina through establishment of Inland Port Dillon," said Dean Piacente, CSX Vice President of Intermodal. "We are confident that the Inland Port will promote economic development in the region and increase the competitiveness of the Port of Charleston and businesses throughout the State of South Carolina. CSX is proud of our role working together with the Port in converting the movement of containers from highway to rail, reducing highway congestion and providing environmental benefits to the citizens of South Carolina while promoting economic growth and commerce."

SCPA opened its first inland facility, Inland Port Greer, in the Upstate region of South Carolina in November 2013. Inland Port Greer handled a record-breaking 124,817 rail moves in calendar year 2017, an increase of 20 percent over the previous year.

"The expansion of SCPA's footprint into Dillon is a significant project not just for our Port, but the entire state," said SCPA Board Chairman Bill Stern. "Inland Port Dillon will provide many advantages to Port customers in the Pee Dee region and beyond, enabling them to move their supplies and finished products with greater efficiency to a global consumer base. It will no doubt serve as a catalyst for economic development, and it is an exciting day to bring such opportunities to this area."

Inland Port Dillon is located within the Carolinas I-95 Mega Site with close proximity to I-95, a critical transportation artery in the Southeast. The area is central to a significant base of existing Port users, including Harbor Freight Tools, that represent base cargo opportunities for the facility.

"Inland Port Dillon is a complement to the capacity and infrastructure investments underway at port facilities in Charleston to accommodate bigger ships and overall growth of our volumes," Newsome said.

Elected Leaders Praise Inland Port Dillon

"Inland Port Dillon is a game-changing investment that will shape the future of not only the Pee Dee but all of South Carolina," said S.C. Senator Lindsey Graham. "Building on the success of Inland Port Greer, this facility will give companies an efficient and cost-effective way to move their products across the state, making the Pee Dee an attractive location for investment, economic development and job creation."

"I've worked hard at the federal level and with the Ports Authority to bring Inland Port Dillon to fruition," said S.C. Congressman Tom Rice. "As an extension of the Charleston Port - one of the largest economic drivers in South Carolina - Inland Port Dillon will bring the success of the state's freight industry to the Pee Dee. Inland Port Dillon will be an economic engine for the region, attracting diverse new industry that will create high-paying jobs in Marion, Marlboro, and Dillon Counties. The facility has already created 1,000 jobs in our area, and today's grand opening begins the next stage of economic development that will help uplift our entire community."

"The opportunity for job creation and economic growth driven by this facility in our region cannot be overstated," said S.C. Senator Kent Williams. "This grand opening is an extremely significant day for residents of Dillon, Marion and our surrounding areas. I applaud the Ports Authority and the many partners for making this a reality."

"Today's Inland Port Dillon grand opening is a tremendous development for our region and state," said S.C. Representative Jackie E. "Coach" Hayes. "Providing increased inland infrastructure will create industry growth and provide job opportunities that will benefit our area and the entire state."

Local Students Name Inland Port Dillon Cranes

Two fourth-graders at Latta Elementary School each earned $500 from SCPA for their school for their participation in a port contest to name equipment at Inland Port Dillon.

The contest was open to all third through fifth graders in Dillon School Districts 3 and 4 during the month of March. Over 100 student entries were received as potential names for the terminal's two rubber-tired gantry (RTG) cranes, which move containers on and off trains.

A team of SCPA employees selected the following two entries, which have been painted onto the cranes: Bluesaurus Rex, submitted by Emily Baxley, and Incraneable Hulk, submitted by J.P. Bley.

March Volumes

As previously announced, South Carolina Ports Authority completed the third quarter of its fiscal year with 1.4 percent year-over-year growth of twenty foot-equivalent units (TEUs) and record-breaking March volumes.

March was the strongest month in the Port's history, with 199,659 TEUs handled during the month. Fiscal year to date, SCPA has moved 1.6 million TEUs across its docks.

Finished vehicle volume also reached an all-time high in March, with 28,391 vehicles handled last month. In the overall non-containerized business segment, SCPA has handled 556,901 breakbulk tons since the fiscal year began.

Inland Port Greer achieved a fiscal year-to-date record number of rail lifts, with 87,360 moves since July. The facility handled 10,612 rail lifts last month.

About South Carolina Ports Authority
South Carolina Ports Authority (SCPA), established by the state's General Assembly in 1942, owns and operates public seaport facilities in Charleston, Dillon, Georgetown and Greer. As an economic development engine for the state, Port operations facilitate 187,200 statewide jobs and generate nearly $53 billion annual economic activity. SCPA is soon to be home to the deepest harbor on the U.S. East Coast at 52 feet, and the Port is an industry leader in delivering speed-to-market, seamless processes and flexibility to ensure reliable operations, big ship handling, efficient market reach and environmental responsibility. For more information on SCPA, please visit www.scspa.com.

SC Ports Breaks Ground on Inland Port Dillon

DILLON, SC - March 10, 2017 - Today officials broke ground on the site of Inland Port Dillon, a South Carolina Ports Authority facility slated to open in early 2018 to support growing intermodal cargo volumes between the Port of Charleston and markets throughout the Carolinas, Northeast and Midwest.

"Inland Port Dillon will diversify SCPA's footprint and enable port users to gain logistics efficiencies through rail transportation of their cargo," said Jim Newsome, SCPA president and CEO. "Inland ports provide infrastructure in the interior of the state that supports the movement of freight to and from our marine terminals. Our facilities in Dillon and Greer are important to SCPA's overall volume growth and the significant amount of cargo that moves today by rail."

International intermodal rail lifts have increased 170 percent since 2011, with 23 percent of the Port of Charleston's containerized import and export volume moving by rail. Growth in the intermodal sector has driven tremendous success of Inland Port Greer, which handled a record 103,639 rail lifts last year.

"This is a significant project for SCPA and our entire state," said SCPA Board Chairman Pat McKinney. "Inland Port Dillon complements the Port's infrastructure investments in Charleston and will no doubt spur economic development activity both in the Pee Dee area and the surrounding region. Port-related jobs pay 40 percent higher than the state's average wage, and it is an exciting day to bring such opportunities to Dillon County."

"Our ports are a tremendously important part of South Carolina's growing economic engine, and Inland Port Dillon will play a crucial role in helping our companies move goods more efficiently than ever before," said South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster. "This new facility will mean even more jobs and industry, and help take our state straight to the top."

Located within the Carolinas I-95 Mega Site, Inland Port Dillon has close proximity to I-95, a critical transportation artery in the Southeast. The area is central to a significant base of existing Port users that represent base cargo opportunities for the facility. The initial phase is expected to handle at least 45,000 containers annually, offering overnight access to and from Charleston via an existing CSX mainline.

"We congratulate Inland Port Dillon on this groundbreaking, which is the beginning stage of building a competitive advantage for area businesses by lowering transportation costs and providing greater access to domestic and international markets," said Dean Piacente, CSX Vice President, Intermodal. "This new facility will build on the state of South Carolina's already strong freight rail network, supporting continued business growth and job creation."

SCPA first announced consideration of a constructing an inland port in Dillon in April of 2016. To date, SCPA has completed the initial design phase, permitting and equipment requisition process for the facility and will soon award contracts to begin construction of the terminal.

"The fruition of the Inland Port in Dillon County culminates a long process from a dedicated team and partnership in which Marlboro Electric Cooperative remains ecstatic to be a part of," said Bo McInnis, MEC Chairman. "The Port's leadership team is already providing tremendous value today, and the future for our entire region just got a lot brighter."

Comments from South Carolina leaders:
"I've worked very hard at the federal level and with the South Carolina Ports Authority to advance the Dillon Inland Port project. This facility will bring industrial diversity and high-paying jobs to Marion, Dillon, and Marlboro counties, resulting in a huge economic impact to a much-needed area." -
Congressman Tom Rice

"Today's groundbreaking is another step forward in ensuring the Port of Charleston is the preferred port on the East Coast. The positive ripple effects on businesses as a result of an inland port in Dillon will drive economic growth around the region. I look forward to seeing the facility, in conjunction with the inland port in Greer, strengthen our Port's competitiveness and improve logistics for South Carolina companies." - South Carolina Senator Hugh K. Leatherman, Sr., President Pro Tempore and Executive Committee, North Eastern Strategic Alliance (NESA)

"The opportunity for job creation and economic growth driven by this facility in our region cannot be overstated. This is an extremely significant day for residents of Dillon and surrounding areas, and I applaud the Ports Authority and its many partners for making this a reality." - South Carolina Senator Kent Williams

"Today's Inland Port Dillon groundbreaking is an important development for our region and the state. Providing increased inland infrastructure will create industry growth and provide job opportunities that will benefit our area and the entire state." - South Carolina Representative Jackie E. "Coach" Hayes

About South Carolina Ports Authority
South Carolina Ports Authority (SCPA), established by the state's General Assembly in 1942, owns and operates public seaport facilities in Charleston, Georgetown and Greer. In 2015 SCPA handled international commerce valued at more than $74 billion while receiving no direct taxpayer subsidy. An economic development engine for the state, Port operations facilitate 187,200 statewide jobs and generate nearly $53 billion annual economic activity. Home to the Southeast's deepest port, SCPA is the industry leader in delivering speed-to-market, seamless processes and flexibility to ensure reliable operations, big ship handling, efficient market reach and environmental responsibility. For more information on SCPA, including career opportunities at all SCPA facilities, please visit www.scspa.com.