Tank-Weld Metals has seen a significant increase in its exports to the region, thanks to its strategic location at Rio Bueno, Trelawny. The company’s port has allowed it to efficiently bring in bulk materials through the north coast and distribute them across the Caribbean.
According to Chris Bicknell, chairman and CEO of Tank-Weld Metals, the company’s recent push into the export market has been a major driving force behind its investment in the port. This investment has paid off, as Tank-Weld Metals has experienced a 500 per cent increase in exports year-over-year, reaching eight islands in the region.
The islands currently receiving exports from Tank-Weld Metals include The Bahamas, Cayman Islands, Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Grenada, and Barbados. The company is able to provide these islands with a reliable shipping schedule, filling a gap left by infrequent container vessel calls.
Tank-Weld Metals primarily exports building materials, such as steel, cement, zinc, doors, chain link fencing, fabric mesh, nails, roofing, and toilets. Some of these products are manufactured locally in Jamaica and sold in the islands duty-free under the Caricom Treaty. Additionally, Tank-Weld Metals distributes Chinese-made Shacman trucks and forklifts in the region, including Guyana.
The company’s commitment to the region was further demonstrated when it quickly responded to the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl in St Vincent and the Grenadines. Tank-Weld Metals docked a ship at the port just a day after the hurricane hit, supplying $2 million worth of building materials to aid in the recovery efforts.
Tank-Weld Metals continues to explore opportunities for growth and expansion in the region, building partnerships with customers and investing in their development. While the company also focuses on expanding its presence in the local market with new manufacturing lines, details of the upcoming products will be announced in the coming months.
With its efficient logistics hub at Rio Bueno, Tank-Weld Metals is poised for further growth and success in the Caribbean export market. The company’s commitment to quality products and reliable service has positioned it as a key player in the region’s building materials industry.
