Gov. Nixon Launches New Barge Built by Trinity Marine for ADM; Says Caruthersville Business is Part of Missouri's Economic Progress

Press Release

Gov. Jay Nixon was at the riverfront in Caruthersville today to press the launch button for a new cargo barge built by Trinity Marine Products for Archer Daniels Midland Co. (ADM). The Governor said Trinity Marine, a leading manufacturer of barges used to transport products on the country's inland waterways, is a great example of how Missouri businesses are leading the state's continued economic progress.

"We're making things in Missouri that are durable and dependable, whether they are F-15 jets, F-150 pickups or Trinity Marine barges," Gov. Nixon said. "The products made in Missouri are sought out not only around this country, but around the world. That's why we hit a record of more than $14.1 billion in the sale of Missouri exports last year, and why the pace for our exports through the first six months of 2012 is beating even that record pace."

In addition to building barges for grain, coal and aggregates, Trinity Marine Products is also the largest U.S. manufacturer of fiberglass hopper barge covers, which are used primarily on grain barges. The company employs more than 600 workers at its Caruthersville facility, which has been in operation for more than 45 years. This year, Trinity is building 300 barges for ADM, and has built 700 over the past five years.

"Trinity Marine barges move products to reach markets around the world, including grain grown by Missouri farmers," the Governor said. "This business is not only providing jobs for Missourians right here in Caruthersville on the nation's busiest commercial river, but also serving as an important piece of Missouri's economic engine."

Gov. Nixon said there are several clear indications of Missouri's brighter economic future.

"Just last week, we learned that our unemployment rate has reached the lowest level since December 2008, and that more than 46,000 jobs have been added since the beginning of 2011," Gov. Nixon said. "Coupled with our exports setting an all-time record last year, it's clear we are moving Missouri in the right direction."

The September jobs report showed that Missouri's unemployment rate fell to 6.9 percent - its lowest rate since December 2008. The state's unemployment rate has remained below the national rate for 37 consecutive months. Missouri added 2,500 jobs during September, bringing the year to-date total of new jobs to 24,700. Combined, the number of new jobs for 2012 to-date and all of 2011 comes to more than 46,000.

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