New Western Emulsions Asphalt Terminal Brings Jobs and Economic Activity to Pinal County, AZ

COOLIDGE, AZ – February 3, 2010 (MarketWire) – Western Emulsions Inc., a leading asphalt emulsions manufacturer with sales and operations in 10 western U.S. states, announced today the commencement of operations of a new $20 million asphalt storage and distribution terminal in Coolidge.  

Western Emulsions will use the facility to manage its supply of raw asphalt used in manufacturing its emulsion products, which have applications for road maintenance and construction, agriculture, and environmental remediation. The company doubled its production capabilities through new development and acquisition in the past year. 

The new terminal provides 12.5 million gallons of asphalt storage, and will support the company’s continuing growth. In addition, Western Emulsions expects to partner with a refining company to market raw asphalt to local producers of paving asphalt and other users.

“The Coolidge Asphalt Terminal is a key component of our company’s future growth strategy,” said Robert Koleas, Western Emulsions’ President and CEO. “We are grateful for the support and partnership with the City of Coolidge, which was instrumental in helping to achieve our timetable for operations.”

Along with asphalt storage and testing facilities, the company constructed $3 million in supporting rail spur and switching infrastructure to facilitate cost-effective long haul shipment of asphalt via commercial rail. The rail infrastructure represents a gateway and facilitates the future development of a planned 200-acre industrial development in Coolidge surrounding the new terminal.

The terminal and its uses help to support the ongoing growth and economic development of Pinal County. Pinal recently was ranked #1 among 25 counties for job growth and one of the fastest growing in the nation by Money magazine. Continued near-term employment growth is projected in a diverse range of categories, including retail, mining, and corrections.  

About Western Emulsions

Western Emulsions (www.westernemulsions.com), based in Tucson, AZ with additional operations in CA, NM and MT, is a leading innovator and supplier of specialty patented and standard asphalt emulsions and raw asphalt used for pavement preservation, repair and restoration projects. Customers include: (i) federal agencies, such as those for roads, highways and airports; (ii) state and local agencies, such as county and municipal public works departments; (iii) private entities, such as independent businesses; and (iv) intermodal consultation groups, such as government agencies who manage the highway infrastructure.