Since the Federal Government gave approval for Ridley Terminals in Prince Rupert to borrow from capital markets it’s been full-steam ahead on the planned doubling of capacity, according to company chair Bud Smith.
“RTI's expansion is going well in a planned and orderly manner. RTI exercised an option and has acquired 35 acres of land from the PRPA. Improving that land to a standard we require will several months,” he said.
“WorleyParsons, RTI's lead engineers are well along with their design work.”
As well as the land, Smith says the company has secured not one but two new dumper systems for installation at the facility.
“Ridley has procured a new dumper system to replace our current system. That new system will be installed during December 2011 and will grow our capacity by a small but important amount once it is in operation,” he explained, noting that full completion of the expansion is scheduled for 2014/2015.
“RTI has recently contracted to acquire a new third stacker/reclaimer which we will install during the late third or early fourth quarter of calendar 2012. That installation will further grow our capacity.
And as expansion continues, Smith says there are a few factors that have been critical to the company continues with the project.
“There can be no question two factors are central to RTI's ability to create new jobs at Prince Rupert by growing RTI. They are the speed with which Minister Flaherty obtained approval from Treasury Board for the borrowing, despite the Budget not being approved, and the solid support RTI receives from the greater Prince Rupert community,” he said.
“Both are valued. Both are appreciated. Both mean RTI's expansion is moving forward.”