POLAR COASTER

For those of us that are in the deicing business, surely you have heard (or read) about the Farmers’ Almanac prediction of above-normal snow and frigid temperatures forecasted for the Midwest and Great Lakes region.  They also predicted “ups and downs” on the thermometer likening it to a potential “Polar Coaster”.  Will it happen?  Only time will tell.

IS THERE ENOUGH SALT TO GO AROUND

If last winter is any indication of what “could be”, there may be issues with bulk rock salt supply.  The frantic end to the 2018-19 winter season left salt pads, municipal warehouses, and DOT storage sheds empty or at near-historic lows in terms of bulk salt inventory.  This creates a bottleneck as replenishing the number of empty salt facilities alone is a tough task—especially in the Midwest—as there is a limited amount of salt mines located throughout the territory.  Even as companies scramble to find alternative sources from overseas, the long trip coupled with the Mississippi River’s late opening and flooding, hinders the replacement of bulk tons domestic suppliers leave unfulfilled.  A repeat of last year’s snow and ice events will quickly consume an already depleted supply.

BE PREPARED

We KNOW there will be a winter.  But a repeat of last year?  All anyone in this business can do is prepare.  We took a larger position on raw materials than we did last year, increased our amount of salt suppliers, completed an additional 80,000 sq. ft. of finished goods storage, and started production earlier.  Early orders are anticipated to be heavy as warehouses get restocked.

Check your inventory.  Stock to a comfortable level early.  Get ready for the ride.