Gavilon LLC To Renovate And Expand Operations At Tulsa Port Of Catoosa

Gavilon LLC announced plans June 20 to renovate a 45-year-old warehouse and add two new truck loadout areas at the Tulsa Port of Catoosa in Oklahoma. The company said it will also be adding new capabilities for specific fertilizer blends for customers to increase production and shipping efficiency. Gavilon has been operating the Tulsa Port’s dry bulk facility since 2008.

“The upgrades planned at the facility will help increase the amount of fertilizer we handle and distribute to markets across the United States,” said Patrick Burke, Gavilon’s marketing and communications manager. “These upgrades will allow our facility to meet the specific requirements of local and regional farmers.”

Gavilon, based in Omaha, Neb., is a commodity management firm that covers three different industries—grain, ingredients and fertilizer. They serve customers such as food manufacturers, livestock producers, fertilizer wholesalers, oil refineries and power producers.

“We are proud to have such a dedicated partner located here at the Tulsa Port,” said Port Authority Chairman Chip McElroy. “Gavilon’s commitment to quality, efficiency and customer service helps carry out the port’s mission to serve Northeast Oklahoma and the surrounding states.”

River transportation at the Tulsa Port allows Gavilon to help farmers reach broader markets with lower transportation costs. River transportation is also quicker and more efficient for these types of products. The types of fertilizer products sold to farmers by Gavilon are essential for crop production, the company said. The main ingredients of these products are not available economically in all regions.

There were 249,858 tons of goods shipped by river barge to the Tulsa Port during the month of May. A sizable portion of that tonnage was dry fertilizer going to Gavilon, the company said.

Access to river transportation allows Gavilon to reach its wide customer base across the Central and Western United States. The Tulsa Port facility has served customers in more than 20 states.

Without access to barge transportation to supply fertilizer, farmers would be penalized by paying higher prices due to the cost of other forms of transportation.  These additional costs would then be transferred to the public.

“Gavilon is committed to continuing our longstanding relationship to the Tulsa Port,” Burke said.