Tanco Terminals Inc, Portage, Ind., is investing $750,000 to expand its liquid barge facility at Ports of Indiana-Jeffersonville, adding two 45,000-gal. tanks to meet growing demand for blended fertilizers in southern Indiana and northern Kentucky.
The tanks are being built to support Premier Ag, Seymour, Ind., an agricultural cooperative that recently became a Tanco customer. The added capacity will allow Premier Ag to blend fertilizer additives tailored to local soil conditions and increase throughput at the terminal. Premier Ag currently stores UAN at the site and offers 32% and 28% nitrogen that can now be blended with ammonium thiosulfate.
“This expansion is about more than just infrastructure – it’s about aligning with the needs of our customers and the market,” said Kip Middendorf, vice president and managing director of Tanco Terminals. “Premier Ag’s commitment to the Jeffersonville facility was a major driver in our investments, which not only meet today’s needs but also anticipate future growth.”
Tanco Terminals, which began operating at the Ohio River port in 2000, handles liquid asphalt and fertilizer products and offers barge, rail, and truck access. The expanded capability will help Premier Ag source products globally and blend them locally as needed, the company said.
“Our expansion at Tanco Terminals is a key link in providing better service to our farmer customers,” said Jeff Jarrett, vice president – new business ventures and fertilizer for Premier Ag. “Tanco Terminals and the Ports of Indiana-Jeffersonville are key players in our strategic vision and ongoing investments.”
Future phases could add up to four more tanks, and Tanco is developing around-the-clock loading capabilities to support peak agricultural seasons.
“As someone who lives in a farming community, I can speak from experience when I say that farmers operate around the clock, and Tanco Terminals and Premier Ag have positioned this operation to be an important hub for northern Kentucky and southern Indiana farmers,” said George Ott, Ports of Indiana-Jeffersonville port director. “This partnership ensures that fertilizer is available when and where it’s needed most.”
Tanco has operated within the Ports of Indiana system since 1977, when it opened a liquid-bulk terminal at Burns Harbor on Lake Michigan.
“Tanco Terminals plays an extremely important role in the industrial supply chain for farmers, construction, manufacturing, and transportation interests at both ends of Indiana and for the surrounding states,” said Ports of Indiana CEO Jody Peacock. “We’re extremely proud of our almost 50-year partnership and the continued expansion of this Indiana-grown family business.”
The company is also exploring entry into new markets, which could prompt additional growth at Jeffersonville.
“Our decision to build this facility at the port 25 years ago was driven by the state’s business-friendly environment and our strong relationship with Ports of Indiana,” Middendorf said. “Today, that decision continues to pay dividends as we expand and attract new business.”
