Just 18 months after a devastating explosion all but destroyed its Port Wentworth, Ga., refinery, Imperial Sugar celebrated the grand opening of its new, state-of-the-art refinery facility.

Imperial associates, retirees and community leaders took part in a variety of events, including tours of the new facility, community service events and a celebratory dinner.

Imperial Sugar’s Port Wentworth refinery will soon operate at full capacity in the coming weeks, boasting state-of-the-art technologies that provide a competitive edge and what the company calls “an exemplary model for safety.”

Innovations include modernized packaging machines, dustless loading devices, and X-ray detectors.

“Imperial Sugar is standing tall and poised to move into the future as an agile and flexible company that exceeds our customers’ expectations,” Imperial President and CEO John Sheptor said. “We will lead with innovation, technology and bold strategy to solidify our position at the top of the sugar industry. Our efforts will be fueled by the same spirit and drive that has been the company’s mantra for over one hundred years.”

He went on to praise the work of company employees, their families, emergency responders and the Savannah and Port Wentworth communities.

“This day is not only a celebration of our extraordinary associates and a milestone for the company, but an opportunity to give back to the Savannah community which has whole-heartedly supported Imperial Sugar throughout the last two years,” Sheptor said.

As part of the activities, many Imperial Sugar associates, retirees and their family members participated in a day of service today to express their appreciation to the community organizations that offered their support. Several projects were held to benefit the Salvation Army, United Way, Habitat Savannah and the Red Cross.

“The outpouring of support and kindness I’ve seen from the Savannah community and from the Imperial Sugar family is humbling,” Sheptor said. “For each and every kind act, whether big or small, I, and many others, remain eternally grateful.”