Page 96 - Rukert - 100th Anniversary

21st-Century Business
[2000-2010]
T o kick off the 21st century, Rukert Terminals installed a
stainless-steel dust control system
on the PECO crane at Pier 5. This further enabled the company to handle prod-
ucts that are inherently dusty. Next, in July of 2000, the company invested in a new 250-ton capacity American crawler crane with a raised cab for use
at Lazaretto. One year later, Rukert Terminals purchased a hydraulic Terex crawler crane, this one a 210-ton capacity model. Both versatile cranes easily handle a variety of bulk and general cargoes.
Rukert Terminals prides itself on a “can-
do” attitude and willingness to try new cargo
and handling methods to meet customer needs.
This often requires purchasing or fabricating an assortment of attachments for cranes and heavy equipment. For example, in 2001, at the request of a large customer, Rukert began discharging containers stored on top of Ro-Ro ships carrying aluminum. After purchasing a top loader and mechanical container spreader to handle the containers efficiently, it soon became routine to discharge 100 or more containers from each vessel. Being ready with the proper supplies and equipment on hand
is crucial to providing reliable service. Preparing
for the unexpected is also key and explains why Norm Rukert” often says, “Buy a couple of extra as
a backup.”
In April 2001, Bud Nixon was selected Port Leader of the Year by the Baltimore Junior Association of Commerce for his contributions to Rukert Terminals and the maritime community. In his acceptance speech, Bud highlighted the
importance of the maritime industry, calling it the invisible economic backbone of Baltimore and Maryland. He also affectionately referred to the Port of Baltimore as “the old mule” that has toiled every day around the clock for 300 years.
That same month, Bud’s photo appeared on the front page of the business section of The Baltimore Sun. Bud was standing with a local developer and neighboring business owner who planned to build
an office tower and retail complex on the Canton
BELOW: Bud Nixon with his son Andy at the 2001 dinner for the Port Leader of the Year award.
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