Production Increases at Imperial’s Refinery

Production continues to increase at Imperial Sugar Company’s rebuilt sugar refinery at Port Wentworth, Ga. The refinery is now operating at above 55 percent capacity.

Production line at Imperial Sugar's Port Wentworth, Ga facility.

The company has spent about $182 million through October 3 on rebuilding the plant, out of a total estimated construction cost of between $210 million and $225 million.

The refinery, hit by an explosion in February 2008 that left 14 dead and 36 injured, has been rebuilt with the latest state-of-the-art safety and production technology.

John Sheptor, Imperial`s President and CEO, said, “We continue to make good progress toward restoring the Port Wentworth refinery to its full capacities this fall. I’m proud of the manner in which our team has worked through the start-up challenges which are inevitable in a project of this size and complexity. To complete the construction project in just over a year`s time is a testament to the skill and dedication of our associates and contractors.”