MEMPHIS, Tenn., Nov. 29, 2012 /PRNewswire/ — Continuing its strategy to build a national network, Barnhart, one of the nation's largest heavy lift and heavy transportation companies, is expanding their branch network and their ability to serve customers. Headquartered in Memphis, TN, Barnhart recently opened three new branch offices in Charleston, SC; Owensboro, KY; and Richland, WA – all three branches will support project operations. Barnhart also announced a fourth new branch in Syracuse, NY with the acquisition of C&C Crane and Rigging. In addition, the company is relocating operations of their Portland, OR branch to Seattle, WA – bringing its branch network to more than 24 locations.
The Charleston and Owensboro branches will focus on providing heavy transportation, rigging and lifting services to nuclear and power customers in that region. Barnhart's Richland Branch will serve the Department of Energy's Hanford Site in Washington State as well as industrial facilities in the region.
Jeff Swanson, Senior Vice President, said, "Charleston is a strategic Barnhart Branch start up. Not only does the new location on the South Carolina coast expand our geographical footprint, but the onsite port facilities serve as a strategic part of Barnhart's Anchor to Anchor Bolts initiative."
Barnhart's Charleston Branch, with convenient access to rail and interstate transport, is located at Marine Terminals and includes RO-RO facility at Pier J to accommodate project cargo ships. The facility features more than 200,000 sq. ft. of high bay covered storage and is serviced by overhead cranes. Swanson added, "Rail services are provided by CSX, Norfolk Southern & SC Public Railways."
The Owensboro Branch, located at Owensboro Riverport with roll on – roll off (RO-RO) potential on the Ohio River, offers convenient access to rail and interstate transport and is served by CSX Rail Transport.
Swanson said, "Owensboro connects the dots between Barnhart's other regional locations in Decatur, Knoxville, Memphis and Chicago. Strategically located on the Ohio River, and within 3 hours of the Barnhart network of existing offices, the new branch location will allow customers to benefit from lower mobilization costs of project equipment. The Owensboro Riverport is also progressive in developing project cargo business and the Barnhart-Owensboro Team hopes to be an integral part of bringing new customers to the terminal who can utilize our heavy transport and project services."
With the company's new Syracuse Branch, Barnhart will be able to better serve customers in upstate New York – particularly those customers in renewable and nuclear energy. To meet the growing demands of its markets in the Pacific Northwest, Barnhart is moving its operation in Portland, OR to Seattle, WA.
Matt Brennan, Regional Director, said, "We are pleased to be relocating to the Puget Sound amongst so many important customers. This move will allow us to reduce the cost of our services by shortening our mobilization distances." Brennan continued, "Moreover, the Seattle branch location – with all its plants and facilities – will enable us to respond at a moments notice."
Barnhart Crane and Rigging, established in 1969, is a leading national supplier of heavy lifting and transportation solutions. The company has locations across the United States. Services also include logistics, machinery moving, and plant relocations. Barnhart's Quality Management System is certified to the ISO 9001:2008 international standard and has been registered since 2000. For more information please go to www.barnhartcrane.com or contact Chris Teague at 251-706-0884 or Email.