Holcim US announced plans on Thursday to invest approximately $100 million in its Ste. Genevieve, Mo., Cement Plant, increasing its production capacity by more than 600,000 metric tons of cement while reducing its net CO2 emissions. 

Holcim’s Missouri plant is North America’s largest cement-producing facility and, the company said in its October 19 news release, one of the world's most technologically advanced and environmentally efficient cement production facilities. 

"With an emphasis on achieving the highest levels of environmental performance and operational efficiency, Ste. Genevieve has been the leader in U.S. cement manufacturing since it was built in 2009," said Toufic Tabbara, North America region head. 

"This investment will ensure we maintain that leadership in supporting the sustainable growth of our nation's infrastructure and residential construction while accelerating net carbon reduction across the built environment," Tabbara added.

Located on the west bank of the Mississippi River, Holcim considers the Ste Genevieve plant the flagship of the Holcim US cement system, operating the largest single-kiln line in the world. Holcim said the plant has sophisticated emissions controls and fully automated quality control laboratories. It also has barge and rail facilities that serve markets throughout the Mississippi River Basin.

Holcim said the capital investment will expand the plant's state-of-the-art production and logistics capabilities by installing a fifth vertical cement grinding mill. The added capacity will enhance processing and allow production capacity to increase while also reducing net CO2 emissions by more than 400,000 tons per year.

Holcim recently invested similarly in one of its Canadian assets and consistently emphasized its commitment to sound environmental stewardship. The company said it is also committed to the U.S. Department of Energy's “Better Climate Challenge” and plans to meet a goal of reducing domestic carbon production by at least 25% by 2033. 

A new mineral component addition system will further reduce the clinker factor, an intermediate product created during manufacturing responsible for most carbon emissions, and increase circularity by adding fly ash or other mineral components to production.

Planned logistic improvements include expanding the plant's current rail-loadout capabilities to serve growing markets in the upper Midwest better. Holcim said with permits and government approvals green-lighted, the project at the Ste. Genevieve Cement Plant begins sometime next year and will be completed in late 2025.

For more information, visit holcim.com.