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New Foreign Trade Zone Operator Locates at Port Lansing

LANSING (WWJ) -- The Capital Region Airport Authority said Friday that TOC Logistics International LLC will open a new logistics office and Foreign Trade Zone warehouse at the Port Lansing Global Logistics Centre.

TOC Logistics took occupancy in the 48,000-square-foot cargo warehouse Sunday.

TOC Logistics is headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana with a global footprint covering over 100 countries worldwide.

"TOC Logistics has been working with Port Lansing staff and local companies to identify opportunities to capitalize on the port and FTZ program," said Robert Selig, president and CEO of the Capital Region Airport Authority. "Area manufacturers and other importers and exporters can gain multiple benefits from using local assets and global logistics service providers. With our modern cargo facility that came online earlier this year, the Airport Authority is excited to increase the number of importers and exporters utilizing the services of these world-class logistics companies that have opened shop in Lansing to assist area businesses."

Added Gary Cardenas, founder of TOC Logistics: "Port Lansing is a perfect location for us to assist current and new clients with Foreign Trade Zone services and other global logistics and supply chain solutions to optimize their logistics activities."

TOC Logistics has a global team supporting the Port Lansing operation, including customs brokers, supply chain engineers, and traditional freight forwarding operators. TOC's offices in North and South America, Asia and Europe can simplify the process and help area businesses avoid the uncertainty and risk that can accompany global shipping.

TOC says its supplier consolidation programs into the NAFTA Corridor (the United States, Canada and Mexico) from Europe and Asia save its clients millions of dollars a year.

"We have multiple projects under way with international businesses in the greater Lansing area and we are eager to get the FTZ and warehouse operation started at Port Lansing," said Greg Scheevel, TOC director of global development.

TOC Logistics is the third tenant to occupy the Port Lansing cargo facility, which was designed to accommodate several businesses involved in global trade. The Port Lansing Global Logistics Centre includes the cargo facility and 110 acres of available commercial property. The launch of the Global Logistics Centre project is projected to spur more than $20 million in private development during the next decade.

The Global Logistics Centre facility functions as warehouse operations for importers and exporters, freight consolidation for exports, a general purpose foreign trade zone, and staging for air-cargo operations and other areas of international trade.

"Instead of having to use distant service providers and other congested freight hubs that can delay arrival of shipments, Port Lansing has attracted global logistics experts to provide those services locally," said Brent Case, director of FTZ and global logistics development for the Capital Region Airport Authority. "CRAA has worked with area partners including the Lansing Regional Chamber, Lansing Economic Area Partnership, Michigan State University, and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, among others, to build a network of professional services and programs to help increase the level of global trade occurring in the Greater Lansing region."

Businesses involved in global trade can contact Case at (517) 886-3716 or bcase@craa.com to learn more about TOC Logistics, Port Lansing, warehouse space and property available at the Port Lansing Global Logistics Centre.

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