Ergon Logistics Built to Handle Low Water Events

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Michael Carpenter is Senior Port Captain for Magnolia Marine Transport Company (MMT), in Vicksburg, Mississippi. Part of the Ergon family of companies, MMT operates one of the largest inland waterways petroleum transportation fleets in the United States. With 24 towboats and more than 88 barges, they transport asphalt, crude oil, process oils, fuel oil and additional products on the Mississippi River and intracoastal waterways of the Gulf of Mexico.

Due to the low water levels from recent dry weather and drought conditions, the Mississippi River is low enough to create transportation issues for cargo ships and barges, with many companies across the marine industry having to significantly slow down or even stop deliveries.

Carpenter spoke with Mississippi Public Broadcasting about the ways MMT is adapting to these extremely low river levels — https://www.mpbonline.org/blogs/news/dry-conditions-causing-low-water-levels-on-mississippi-river/. MMT’s operations plans ensure that security of supply is protected in situations like these where loads need to be lightened to reduce draft and traffic is slower due to low water or congestion along certain segments of the route.

Ergon is a global organization delivering products and services essential to manufacturing and infrastructure needs to customers in more than 90 countries around the world. The diversified logistics provided by a variety of businesses, including MMT, mean that when one area faces hardships, others are ready to step up to get the job done. In this case, when waterways are impacted, Ergon’s trucks and railcars can assist with transportation of products.

That same ability to adapt is one of MMT’s strengths. According to Carpenter, “Challenges are nothing new for MMT. We take them as they come. Whether it’s near record-high water levels, hiring employees for our growing fleet of boats and barges, or our present low water situation, adapting to an ever-changing environment is one of our major strengths.”

Tim Brown Joins Ergon R&M as Senior VP of Strategy

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Tim Brown will join Ergon Refining & Marketing as Senior Vice President of Strategy on October 17, 2022.

“Tim’s 30 years of experience in the refining and specialty business, much of that time in leadership roles, make him an excellent fit for this important position,” commented Lance Puckett, President of Ergon Refining and Ergon – West Virginia.

Brown’s previous roles include Chief Executive Officer of a privately held refining group; Chief Development Officer for an environmental and biotechnology developer and system integrator; Chief Development Officer of a company utilizing a next-generation cleantech solution to convert organic waste into clean energy, clean water, heat, fertilizer, and value-add hydrocarbon products; and most recently as Managing Director for a global manufacturer of specialty products headquartered in Hamburg, Germany.

After receiving his Bachelor of General Studies (Cum Laude) from the University of Connecticut, Tim received his Master of Business Administration from Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business.

“We are extremely excited about the contributions Tim will make to R&M and to all of Ergon in the coming years,” Puckett added.

Kris Patrick Named President and CEO of Ergon

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The Board of Directors of Ergon Inc. has announced that Kris Patrick has been named President & Chief Executive Officer effective October 1, 2022. Emmitte J. Haddox, who has served as President & CEO since 2016, has retired and will continue to serve as a member of the Board of Directors.

Patrick has 22 years of experience with the Mississippi-based company that services industries essential to manufacturing and infrastructure needs around the world. His roles with Ergon have included Process Engineer; Senior Vice President of Refining, Planning and Supply; President of Ergon’s refineries; and member of the Operations and Executive Management teams. He has served as Chief Operating Officer since 2018.

Patrick earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering and a Master of Business Administration with a specialty in Project Management from Mississippi State University and completed the Leading Global Business program at Harvard Business School.

“Kris’ experience with all facets of Ergon, coupled with his strong management and leadership skills, make him the perfect candidate for this role,” commented Tom Amonett, Ergon Chairman of the Board. “He has taken advantage of every opportunity to prepare for this position, strengthening the organization along the way and making real strides in Ergon’s strategic planning, safety systems and processes. The Lampton family and the Board have no doubt that Kris’ desire to honor Ergon’s history while focusing on innovation and expanding opportunities will take this global organization to even greater heights.”

“I am grateful for the investment Ergon has made in me,” commented Patrick, whose first experience with the company came as an Engineering Co-Op while he was a college student. “I hope to make that sort of investment in the Ergon family as we continue our mission of meeting needs, supporting families and serving customers.”

About Ergon
Ergon is a group of privately held companies that operate under six primary business segments: Refining & Marketing, Specialty Chemicals, Asphalt & Emulsions, Oil & Gas, Midstream & Logistics, and Construction & Real Estate.

Contact Information
Kathy Potts
Director of Marketing Communications
601-933-3000
kathy.potts@ergon.com
ergon.com