Salvadoran President Attends Opening of Crowley’s New El Salvador Distribution Center
(Jacksonville, Fla.; July 27, 2005) – Salvadoran President Antonio Saca and Crowley held opening ceremonies last week for the company’s new 24,500 square-foot distribution center in the Exportsalva Free Zone in El Salvador. In addition to its larger size, the new center features doors to accommodate trailers of three different heights and high speed DSL Internet connectivity. The center also offers Crowley customers on-site Customs processing and 24-hour security.
The inauguration ceremony, which included a ribbon cutting and speaker presentations, drew government dignitaries, community members and top customers. President Saca performed the ribbon cutting accompanied by Minister of Economy Yolanda de Gavidia and General Directors of Customs Gustavo Villatoro and Proesa Pedro Escalon. Other high-profile attendees included Francisco Rovira, director of the Exporta promotion agency, Ricardo Sagrera, president of the Free Zone Exportsalva and Arq. Ana Maria de Rivas, general manager of the free zone. Total attendance for the event topped 80, including representatives from top customers.
In his speech, President Saca said he was pleased to see a well-recognized company like Crowley, with over 113 years of experience, expanding and investing in El Salvador.
He said his government’s interest is to create more jobs and attract foreign investment, and shipping companies, distribution centers and logistics operators are a very important part of the trade the government wants to create.
“The amenities provided in the new facility, in conjunction with its strategic location in the Export Salva Free Zone, make it an ideal solution for our customers,” said Rinus Schepen, senior vice president and general manager, Crowley logistics services. “The distribution center allows cargo to be cleared faster, and loaded and unloaded faster, all of which reduces shipping times – a major advantage with Crowley’s Speed to Market.”
Forty-five years of operating in Central America has given Crowley an unmatched understanding of the distinctive regulations, infrastructure, and customs of the region. Crowley is committed to maximizing the area’s rich, expanding trade and growing infrastructure opportunities for its customers.
Crowley’s logistics services business unit is headquartered in Jacksonville, Fla., and is part of Crowley Maritime Corporations liner segment. The Oakland-based corporation, founded in 1892, is primarily family- and employee-owned and is engaged in worldwide logistics, liner shipping services, contract towing and transportation, energy support services, ship assist and escort services, vessel management and petroleum and chemical marine transport. Additional information about Crowley, its subsidiaries and business units may be found on the Internet at www.crowley.com.
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