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Snapshot: U.S. Sugar

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: June 25, 2008

U.S. Sugar Profile

Founded in 1931 by Charles Stewart Mott, U.S. Sugar is one of the largest producers of sugar and citrus in the country. The privately held company employs 1,700 people and owns and farms more than 187,000 acres in Hendry, Glades and Palm Beach counties. In addition to sugar and citrus, the company owns a short-line railroad called the South Central Florida Express. The railroad includes 159 miles of track and 14 locomotives that transport lumber, paper, citrus and sugar.

Sales And Production

U.S. Sugar produces about 700,000 tons of sugar and more than 20 million 90-pound boxes of oranges each year. Last year, the company booked an estimated $120.8 million in sales.

The Future

If the deal is finalized in November, U.S. Sugar plans to continue to operate its businesses for six years. After that, U.S. Sugar operations will close. "Everything becomes the property of the water management district," U.S. Sugar spokesman Russ Casas said.

Russell Ray

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