Holcim (US) Hagerstown Cement Plant Completes $96 Million Modernization Project with Ceremonial Ribbon Cutting

HAGERSTOWN, Md., Oct. 25, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Holcim (US), a member of LafargeHolcim, today unveiled the new, modernized plant at its Hagerstown facility after a two-year modernization project. By investing $96 million to maintain high-quality manufacturing standards in accordance with newly imposed, more stringent NESHAP environmental regulations, the plant has increased clinker production by approximately 200,000 tons to help support construction and development in Hagerstown, Greater Western Maryland, Baltimore and Washington D.C.

A ceremonial ribbon cutting will be held from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the Hagerstown Facility at 1260 Security Rd. The speaking program will take place between 11 a.m. – 11:55 a.m., with the ribbon cutting, refreshments, and plant tour to follow.

"A cornerstone of the regional community for 113 years, we recognize the importance of this facility to the Hagerstown community," said John Stull, chief executive officer of U.S. cement operations for LafargeHolcim. "Our investment to modernize clinker production represents our continued commitment to our customers and local manufacturing. The facility will continue to be a strong and reliable partner to the community for many more years to come."

Throughout the two-year project, the modernization of the Hagerstown facility maintained approximately 100 local plant jobs, increased 300 construction jobs and resulted in no lost time injuries (LTI). As the foundation for the country's bridges, roads and buildings, the cement from the Hagerstown facility provides the infrastructure to sustainably supply the Mid-Atlantic region, an important and growing part of the U.S. economy. Over the years, Holcim (US) Hagerstown cement has contributed to the reflecting pool at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C., runways at Dulles airport and the Woodrow Wilson Bridge.

The upgrades to the plant will result in a more than 60 percent reduction to nitrogen oxides (NOx) and approximately a 50 percent reduction to sulfur dioxide (SO2), continuing to minimize and improve the plant's environmental footprint. The modernization project also resulted in significant reduction on Particulate Matter (PM) of more than 75 percent.

"We care about operating a facility that is environmentally sound and responsible," said Olivier Terver plant manager of the Holcim (US) Hagerstown plant. "Investing in the environment is critical for the health and long-term viability of the communities where we operate. We are proud that the Hagerstown facility will set the standard in safe and environmentally responsible clinker production."

About LafargeHolcim

With a well-balanced presence in 90 countries and a focus on cement, aggregates and concrete, LafargeHolcim (SIX Swiss Exchange, Euronext Paris: LHN) is the world leader in the building materials industry. The Group has 100,000 employees around the world and combined net sales of CHF 29.5 billion in 2015. LafargeHolcim is the industry benchmark in R&D and serves from the individual homebuilder to the largest and most complex project with the widest range of value-adding products, innovative services and comprehensive building solutions. With a commitment to drive sustainable solutions for better building and infrastructure and to contribute to a higher quality of life, the Group is best positioned to meet the challenges of increasing urbanization.

In the United States, LafargeHolcim companies include close to 350 sites in 43 states and employ 6,000 people.  Our customers rely on us to help them design and build better communities with innovative solutions that deliver structural integrity and eco-efficiency. We are committed to contributing to Building Better Cities and are an active participant in local environmental, educational and sustainable construction initiatives, including relationships with the Wildlife Habitat Council and Habitat for Humanity.

Lafarge North America Inc., Holcim (US) Inc., and their subsidiaries are LafargeHolcim companies, and together constitute the largest diversified supplier of construction materials in the United States. These companies are sometimes referred to as "LafargeHolcim US" for editorial convenience.

Media Contact:
Robin L. DeCarlo
Communications, U.S. Cement
781-647-2364

SOURCE Holcim (US)