Pronghorn expects plant to create 30 new jobs

A North Dakota-based firm plans to build a concrete and asphalt batch plant in Finley that could create 30 new jobs.

Pronghorn LLC recently bought about 35 acres in the Twin Tracks Industrial Park in Finley.

The company bought the land, which is vacant and zoned for heavy industrial use, from the Port of Kennewick for $154,000, or $4,443 per acre. It’s west of Piert Road and intersected by East Cochran Road.

Pronghorn plans to operate concrete and asphalt batch plants, process and store aggregate products, and crush and process recycled concrete and asphalt.

The new plant is projected to add about $4 million in revenue to the Tri-City economy and could create 30 new jobs, which will consist of administrative support staff, plant operators and truck drivers.

In addition to the plant, the company plans to build offices, scales and a 50-car parking area.

About 20 to 30 employees are expected to commute to work at the plant, and 20 to 30 business vehicles will be stored at the site. The company estimated its fleet would make 80 truck trips a day between 6 a.m. to 3 p.m., according to documents from the Benton County Hearings Examiner about the project.

The hearings examiner approved the company’s conditional-use permit for the plant on Nov. 27.

A new business to the Tri-City area, Pronghorn LLC is the parent company to JMAC Resources, a privately-held, North Dakota-based firm started in 1972, which is a major supplier of ready-mix concrete, fly ash and other construction materials for residential, commercial and industrial use.

“JMAC Resources is an experienced and innovative heavy civil and energy services contractor with a strong commitment to customer service, quality, safety, and innovation and technology,” according to the company website.

JMAC also provides services that support oil exploration and other extractive and construction-related activities, such as dams, roads and environmental projects.

Company officials could not be reached for comment.

Construction is set to begin in spring 2018.