Since our earliest days, U.S. Borax has provided borates to customers around the world—always with the future in mind. As our Wilmington facility at the Port of Los Angeles celebrates 100 years of continuous operation, we embrace the vision that built it—and that continues to support our business and community.
Mules, rail, sea: Envisioning a better supply chain
The early 1900s were a time of fantastic change, with industrialization transforming the world. For products that were foundational in new industrial processes—such as borates—it was a time of intense expansion and competition. U.S. Borax (then known as Pacific Coast Borax) was already a primary supplier of borates for industrial purposes such as ceramics, enamels, and glazes.
We were also looking for ways to build its global supply chain.
At that time, shipping by sea from the West Coast was cost-prohibitive. Instead, we shipped packaged and bulk borates by rail to refineries on the East Coast, then across the Atlantic. However, the Panama Canal, which opened in 1914, would soon make shipping by sea from California much more attractive.
In 1915, we acquired the site of the present-day refinery in the Port of Los Angeles. Unfortunately, World War I was in full swing at the time. So development of the site was postponed until 1924.
U.S. Borax Wilmington operations shortly after opening.
In August 1924, we constructed a deep-water port in the harbor and made it our headquarters.
An operations powerhouse and a center for innovation
Industrial borates sales grew steadily. Borates are essential in products such as fiberglass, heat-resistant glasses, and porcelain enamel, and in agriculture farmers started using borates in their fertilizer mix.
As new industries emerged, U.S. Borax’s ongoing product research enabled us to find new benefits and uses for borax. We also focused on improving production efficiency, building a new plant at Wilmington to manufacture anhydrous borax.
By the 1960s, demand for borates showed no signs of slowing, and in the spring of 1962, we launched a plan to improve the company’s competitive standing in Europe. To support the effort, engineers constructed a new bulk shipping terminal at Wilmington. The terminal featured new loading facilities and 12 120-foot storage siloes.
Enhancing Wilmington’s capabilities made it easier to load raw and refined borates for ocean shipments to our Rotterdam warehouse. It also meant we could receive larger loads from Boron in 100-ton rail cars.
In 1980s, we moved boric acid production to Boron operations, allowing us to increase storage capacity in Wilmington.
Today, Wilmington manufactures disodium octaborate tetrahydrate (DOT) and zinc borate for use in agriculture, wood preservation, and flame retardant applications. And, our shipping operation sends more than 36,000 tons of packaged goods and more than 300,000 tons of bulk material to customers in Europe, Malaysia, and China.
Today, our Wilmington operations is part of the modern Port of Los Angeles.Concentrating on community
Wilmington remains the only privately owned facility in the Port of Los Angeles. Along with ensuring exceptional quality; meeting ISO certification requirements;, and operating a 24x7 refinery, warehouse, and shipping facility, our caring and generous employees are committed to being good neighbors.
We partner with the Boys and Girls Club of Wilmington, providing annual backpacks and school supplies. Through an active onsite recycling program, we raise funds for community initiatives. And, we are active members of both the Wilmington and Long Beach Chambers of Commerce.
Focus on the future
“We are proud to be a part of California’s past and present by continually finding better ways to provide the materials the world needs,” says Renny Dillinger, General Manager, California Operations. “The evolution of our business throughout the 100 years speaks to our commitment to our customers, employees, communities and our partnership with the Port of L.A. We look forward to continuing our contributions in the years to come.”
At U.S. Borax, we are finding better ways to support healthy, sustainable growth.
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