Tallahassee-based Rainey Cawthon Distribution opened a new bulk storage facility that will allow the company to serve large volume customers, a move that company leaders say will be a key benefit for the region during hurricane season and beyond.
Located on 4305 Shelfer Road, the company’s expansion was made possible by its sale of its existing plant and office on Madison Street in CollegeTown. RCD, which first opened 75 years ago, provides bulk fuel supply to large companies and their 10 Shell gas stations in the capital city.
The new bulk plant enables RCD to increase warehouse storage for oils, lubricants and other products.
“The new bulk plant expansion adds 45,000 gallons of fuel storage for the Big Bend Area,” said Ivey Rooney Yarger, RCD’s vice president, in an email to the Tallahassee Democrat. “This enables RCD to increase our client base, serve more customers, and be even more responsive during natural disasters in the Big Bend area.”
During periods of high fuel demand, including an approaching hurricane, Yarger described the new facility as a “game changer.” She said the company increased its fuel storage amount to “have the maximum amount of product in advance of a natural disaster.”
“Additionally, the Rainey Cawthon facility has total generator backup, including the 24/7 card lock facility. RCD will be able to keep customers and the greater area fueled and powered during any natural disaster.”
“Thanks to their close relationship with the Florida Department of Emergency Management, RCD will work hand in hand in response to any disaster in the Big Bend area,” Yarger said.
RCD’s client base includes healthcare facilities, farms, commercial construction companies and facilities with commercial generators.
“This facility reflects our ongoing commitment to serving every aspect of fueling needs in the BigBend with the service we are known for the products they trust,” Charles Rooney, president of Rainey Cawthon Distribution, in a statement. “We are proud to invest in a facility to continue providing our customers and the area with top-tier fueling solutions.”
Contact Economic Development Reporter TaMaryn Waters at tlwaters@tallahassee.com and follow @TaMarynWaters on X.
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Rainey Cawthon fuel facility expansion could be ‘gamechanger’ for north Florida during hurricanes
Reporting by TaMaryn Waters, Tallahassee Democrat / Tallahassee Democrat
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