Member companies of the Ports America Group will build, own and operate a world-class automotive import and export facility on the Maritime District site. The facility is expected to become operational by the summer of 2008 and will provide over 400 union jobs.
The BLRA voted unanimously on November 26th to sell the site to the Ports America Group, which operated the former military terminal in Bayonne and has operated in New York harbor since 1922 through a predecessor company.
Commenting on the purchase, Ports America Group Chairman John Stokes stated, 'The Ports America Group is the largest port-side automotive vehicle processor in the United States, handling over two million vehicles each year. The new facility at the Bayonne Maritime District site will allow us to significantly expand our presence in one of America's most important port-side automotive markets.' Stokes added, 'We are very pleased that the BLRA gave us the opportunity to work with them on this important project, both for the economic benefits to the City of Bayonne and the entire region as well as to continue our 95 year old partnership with Bayonne well into the future.'
