Roanoke Cement terminal to eclipse 100K tons with $37M expansion

Sources: Titan America, Norfolk, Va.; CP staff

Titan America projects a 2023 completion of a new 70,000-ton dome, plus truck and rail loadout infrastructure, at its Roanoke Cement Co. import terminal in Chesapeake, Va. With triple the present bulk storage capacity, the overhauled operation will be equipped to import and distribute fly ash, slag, and aggregates that are in demand throughout the Mid-Atlantic market. The Virginia investment mirrors construction under way at Titan America’s Tampa, Fla. import terminal.

“The major expansion and modernization of these two marine terminals is another important step toward meeting fast-growing demand for our products and services in critical infrastructure, commercial, and residential projects,” says Titan America CEO Bill Zarkalis. “These projects, along with our continued investments in low-carbon cement production capacity expansion and end-to-end digitalization of our plants, signify our commitment to meet evolving societal and consumer expectations.”

Trends in markets from Washington, D.C. to South Carolina—climate change resilience measures, population growth supported by new and rebuilt infrastructure, and substantial investments in defense and digital technologies—equate to positive indicators for Roanoke Cement and namesake operations. “The timing of our investments is well-aligned to support these major economic drivers and enables us to further demonstrate our commitment to being the preferred supplier for sustainable growth through lower carbon products,” affirms Titan America Mid-Atlantic Business Unit President Kevin Baird.

Over the past five years, he adds, the company has been steadily modernizing and expanding its distribution and storage infrastructure to create an unparalleled, integrated logistics network suiting ship, truck or rail traffic. In conjunction with converting to a multi-product storage and loadout facility, the Chesapeake work will more than triple the amount of rail running through the terminal and afford multiple truck and rail loadouts.

“In this era of high demand for construction materials, particularly for our lower carbon products, the expanded logistics capacity at our import terminal and rail network will ensure we continue to serve customers reliably and with the sustainable green solutions that will reduce the carbon footprint for construction,” observes Titan America Senior Vice President of Sales Don Ingrassano.