TOM MAST Star-Tribune staff writer | Posted: Sunday, January 11, 2009 12:00 am
A new $7 million concrete products plant could be the first business to locate at a proposed industrial park in Bar Nunn.
The 40,000-square-foot facility will replace the former CEMEX plant in Casper, which was recently acquired by Concrete Products of Wyoming.
Casper businessman Rich Fairservis said the new plant will result in more cost-effective and efficient manufacturing processes. The current facility was built in 1976.
Once the new plant is operational, he said the old plant would be demolished. The land, which is near Interstate 25 at 725 Bryan Stock Trail, would probably be sold.
Twenty-one people work at the old plant. Fairservis said the new plant eventually would employ about 35 workers. It will make such products as round concrete pipe, utility vaults and concrete box culverts.
If all goes according to plan, operations at the new Concrete Products of Wyoming plant could begin in about 18 months.
The town of Bar Nunn plans to seek a state Business Committed grant to help develop the Bar Nunn Industrial Center. Estimated infrastructure costs covered by the grant are $2.9 million for streets, curbs, gutters and sidewalks; $341,685 for sanitary sewer lines; and $73,575 for storm sewer lines.
Bar Nunn Mayor Jerry Petty said at this juncture, the fate of the industrial center hinges on the Business Committed grant. Review of the application by the Wyoming Business Council is expected in the spring.
If the grant is approved and development of the site goes ahead, Petty said the town of Bar Nunn would end up owning the infrastructure.
Petty said he is not aware of any business other than Concrete Products of Wyoming that has thus far expressed an interest in locating at the site.
The proposed center consists of five lots ranging in size from about 25 acres to 48 acres. Concrete Products of Wyoming would use five lots totaling 48.75 acres.
Construction of a new Wardell Water and Sewer District water tank and booster pump also should begin in about 45 days. Fairservis said the improvements will increase Bar Nunn's water pressure and allow for additional development in the town.
Business Editor Tom Mast can be reached at tom.mast@trib.com, or call 307-266-0574.