Fibria in Brazil to move its northeast distribution center in US from Port of Baltimore to the Tioga Marine Terminal at the Port of Philadelphia; move will increase company's regional pulp distribution by 300,000 tonnes/year

Mathew Kearney

PHILADELPHIA , February 17, 2014 (press release) – Governor Tom Corbett today announced that Fibria Celulose S.A. has decided to move its northeast distribution center to the Port of Philadelphia bringing more than 380 total jobs and $40 million in economic activity annually to state of Pennsylvania.

“Companies throughout the world are coming to Pennsylvania to grow and thrive,” said Corbett. “We’re investing in our infrastructure; we’re deepening the Delaware River to accommodate larger ships; and we’re investing in education and our workforce to build a stronger Pennsylvania.”

Fibria Celulose S.A. (Fibria), the world’s largest producer of Bleached Eucalyptus Kraft Pulp (BEKP), will move its current shipping operations from the Port of Baltimore to the Tioga Marine Terminal operated by Delaware River Stevedores, Inc. at the Port of Philadelphia. The move will result in an additional 12 to 18 vessels and approximately 300,000 metric tons of BEKP annually to the port to be distributed to the northeast of the country, taking advantage of a comprehensive distribution network by rail and road.

Additional tonnage at the Port of Philadelphia is projected to generate more than $40 million in economic activity annually and result in 228 direct jobs and more than 380 total jobs in Pennsylvania.

"Fibria's move to the Port of Philadelphia would not have been possible without the personal involvement and support of Governor Corbett, and we specially thank him for that. We also would like to take the opportunity to thank the Philadelphia Regional Port Authority (PRPA), the International Longshoremen's Association (ILA), Delaware River Stevedores, Inc. (DRS), and Conrail for working with Fibria to make such an initiative a reality," said Mateus Carmo, Fibria General Manager for North America Operations. “Additionally, we also especially appreciate the efforts of DCED Secretary Alan Walker and PennDOT Secretary Barry Schoch, for the deep commitment and wide support given to all parties involved, to make the Tioga Marine Terminal a strategic, long-term business partner of Fibria.”

In April 2013, Corbett led a delegation of business, tourism and university leaders on a JOBS1st mission to Brazil and Chile to open new doors for economic growth and job creation and to keep Pennsylvania at the forefront of international business development. While in São Paulo, Brazil, Corbett met with Fibria CEO, Marcelo Strufaldi Castelli and other members of Fibria’s leadership.

“I led a delegation to Brazil and Chile to foster new opportunities to bring jobs to Pennsylvania,” said Corbett. “We met with Fibria; we talked about the potential of Pennsylvania, the benefits of the Port of Philadelphia and the quality workers that call the port home. Today, we welcome Fibria to Pennsylvania. Fibria’s success will have a domino effect, as companies from all over the world will take another look at the Port of Philadelphia as a hub for their shipping operations.”

For more information about Governor Corbett’s commitment to JOBS1st PA visit www.pa.gov 

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