“I congratulate the Port of Wilmington and Dole Fresh Fruit Company for the recent completion of this new state-of-the-art warehouse,” Gov. Minner said.  “This is a very significant investment in our Port and underscores the value Delaware places on business relationships with companies that want to grow their business in Delaware. In addition, I would like to thank the DRBA for collaborating with the State in funding this important project.” 

Dole received $12 million from the state and $4 million from the Delaware River and Bay Authority for the project.

“We are very pleased with the addition of Warehouse H to our operations in Wilmington. The new warehouse will enable us to expand our local operations, improve refrigerated space consolidation and utilization, and to make federal inspections of fruit cargo more efficient, timely and cost effective”, said Richard J. Dahl, President and Chief Operating Officer of Dole Food Company (Dole). “In addition, a new office space will provide Dole’s quality control group an  excellent work environment” he added.

In 2005, Dole discharged nearly one million tons of tropical and Chilean fruit in Wilmington. Dole’s cargo and related business activity creates more than 480 direct, indirect and induced jobs. Warehouse H is anticipated to generate more than 150 additional good jobs for the State of Delaware and the region.

Other officials at the ribbon cutting ceremony included U.S. Congressman Mike Castle and F. Michael Parkowski, Vice Chairman of the Delaware River & Bay Authority.

“In the economic development arena, the Authority’s goal is to be a growth catalyst, investing resources to create and retain jobs,” said Parkowski who noted that the agency also participated in the construction of Warehouse A in 1998.  “The Port of Wilmington is a big employer and generates significant economic benefits for the region.  The DRBA recognizes the importance of the Port of Wilmington and is proud to participate in projects that will aid its growth and prosperity.”

“We thank the State of Delaware and the DRBA, for bringing this very important project to fruition and for their unwavering commitment to the Port’s continued growth and its concomitant regional economic impact. Also, we thank Dole for their loyalty, our strong business partnership over these many years and their continued confidence in the Port’s ability to support their increasing logistics requirements in a very competitive global market,” remarked Gene Bailey, Executive Director of the DSPC.

Dole, the world’s largest fruit company, discharges weekly shipments of bananas and tropical fruit at the Port of Wilmington. The Port’s is the world’s largest banana port, the nation’s leading gateway for imports of fresh fruit, and the #1 container terminal on the Delaware River.

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Delaware River & Bay Authority

The Delaware River & Bay Authority (DRBA) is a bi-state governmental agency created by Compact in 1962. It owns and operates the Delaware Memorial Bridge, the Cape May- Lewes Ferry, the Three Forts Ferry Crossing and the Salem Business Centre in Carney's Point Twp., NJ. The DRBA also manages corporate and aviation properties through its economic development powers - two airports in New Jersey (Millville Airport and Cape May Airport) and three in Delaware (New Castle Airport, Civil Air Terminal and Delaware Airpark). All DRBA operating revenues are generated through the bridge, ferry and airport facilities.

Dole Fresh Food Company

With product grown in more than 23 countries, Dole markets its high quality branded fresh fruit products to retailers and wholesalers in North America, Europe and Asia.  

In addition, Dole fresh fruit products are available in special food service packs ideal for schools, restaurants, hotels and institutional food providers.

 

The food, floral and health-related businesses operate as Dole Food Company, and all other businesses operate as Castle & Cooke.  The Combined companies make up one of the largest privately held companies in America, with approximately 64,000 employees operating in more than 90 countries around the world.

Port of Wilmington, Delaware

Founded in 1923, the Port of Wilmington is an important asset for the local and regional economy, generating more than 5,300 jobs and contributing over $23 million in annual tax revenues to state and local government.  The Port is owned and operated by the Diamond State Port Corporation, a corporation of the State of Delaware.