Imperial Sugar has broken ground on portions of its Port Wentworth refinery devastated by a deadly explosion. The blast damaged three storage silos beyond repair and completely destroyed a packaging plant. Fourteen employees were killed and dozens more injured in the February blast. Investigators blame the explosion on a buildup of combustible sugar dust.
Wednesday's groundbreaking makes good on a company promise, made just days after the explosion, to rebuild. Workers are being retrained to work in the new facility. Imperial Sugar hopes to complete construction by the summer of next year.
Meanwhile, an 8.7 million dollar fine hangs over the plant. The federal Occupational Health and Safety Administration recommended the fine for egregious violations of safety standards.
Wednesday's groundbreaking makes good on a company promise, made just days after the explosion, to rebuild. Workers are being retrained to work in the new facility. Imperial Sugar hopes to complete construction by the summer of next year.
Meanwhile, an 8.7 million dollar fine hangs over the plant. The federal Occupational Health and Safety Administration recommended the fine for egregious violations of safety standards.
