MOL spurring Jacksonville business

MOL spurring Jacksonville business    Mitsui O.S.K. Lines issued a progress report on Friday about its new terminal under development at the Port of Jacksonville, and noted that the prospect of regular Asia service is attracting new business and distribution facilities to the area.
   An MOL statement said “a succession of major manufacturers, general merchandisers, and logistics companies decided to locate their logistics centers in the surrounding area. The Jacksonville Port Authority and the local community have high expectations for MOL's new terminal, which will create an estimated 5,600 jobs, including those in associated businesses.”
   The agreement for the 160-acre terminal was officially announced last August. The permitting process and ground construction has been underway through this year, and the port plans to named a general contractor for “vertical” construction during July.
   In April 2006, Michaels Stores, Inc., the United States' largest arts and crafts retailer, said it was relocating its Southeast Seasonal Distribution Center from Savannah, Georgia to Jacksonville.
   Also in April, Laney & Duke Terminal Warehouse Co. Inc., a major logistics management and warehousing company, announced it will build a 400,000-square-foot distribution center in Jacksonville. Company officials cited the MOL terminal as one of the reasons they were high on the prospects for new business.
   In June, Bridgestone Firestone North American Tire, LLC announced it will invest approximately $44 million in a one million-square-foot distribution center in Jacksonville.
   Port officials said Friday that within the next year, a major announcement is expected regarding a four million-square-foot facility to be located in Jacksonville for a major importer. The details on that project are still being worked out, officials said.
   In addition, port officials said they have been working with national third party logistics companies, trucking companies, customs house brokers, warehousemen and other maritime partners to ensure that the proper business infrastructure is in place once the new terminal opens.
   The new terminal is scheduled to be completed and open for business in early 2008.