Wisconsin manufacturer, GLC Minerals, is assisting industries impacted by supply chain disruptions related to the Francis Scott Key bridge collapse in the Port of Baltimore. Baltimore’s port handles the largest volume of gypsum of all U.S. ports, and its partial closure has created challenges for a variety of industries.

“GLC Minerals has been contacted by manufacturers needing an interim supply of specialized gypsum until the flow through the Port of Baltimore is reestablished,” explained Holly Bellmund, President of GLC Minerals. “Our team has reached out to the Port of Baltimore to learn more about their current needs, and we’ve geared up to offer assistance.”

GLC Minerals manufactures specialized formulas of gypsum that are used mainly for agronomy, animal nutrition and industrial applications in paints, coatings, sealants, caulks and adhesives.

“We’re ramping up gypsum production to help support specific segments of the supply chain until the Port of Baltimore is up and running,” added Ed Van Poucke, Chief Commercial Officer at GLC Minerals. “We operate a terminal at the Port of Green Bay, in the heart of the Midwest, which enables us to help fill this gap in demand, allowing industries that rely on gypsum to continue operating.”

Van Poucke added, “Our team works collaboratively with public and private entities alike, such as the Port of Green Bay, to offer what we call the KBR promise. We go above and beyond for our customers to help Keep Businesses Running.”

Dean Haen, Director at the Port of Green Bay shared, “Great Lakes ports, though often overlooked in the past, are a critical part of the nation’s supply chain, connecting the heartland to the rest of the world. During the supply chain challenges of the pandemic, our private sector terminal operators really stepped up and demonstrated how critical the Great Lakes ports are. It’s great to see one of our port partners rise to meet this need.”

Bellmund reflected on the matter saying, “We are nearly 1,000 miles away from the Port of Baltimore, and we’re seeing the impact this event has had on the market. We’re just pleased to be able to assist and be a stopgap for certain industries until their supply chain is restored.”