MITCHELL – Heidelberg Materials announced the start of production at the company’s state-of-the-art plant this week.
The construction of the new Heidelberg Materials cement plant in Mitchell, formerly known as Lehigh Cement, began in 2019 and took nearly four years to complete.
This $600 million expansion project will use the latest in technology and environmental controls to allow for a substantial increase in production while reducing energy usage, fuel consumption, and emissions per ton of cement produced.
Lehigh broke ground on the project in October 2019 and began preparing the site for the large project. However, COVID-19 emerged in early 2020, slowing down the company’s progress.
“We are extremely pleased to have the new Mitchell kiln online and producing clinker,” said Chris Ward, President and CEO of Heidelberg Materials North America. “With the capabilities of the new facility, we will be able to supply our customers more efficiently, consistently, and sustainably than ever before.”
The new plant is now the second-largest cement plant in North America and reflects one of the largest investments ever made in Lawrence County, according to a press release from Heidelberg.
The former Mitchell plant produced 1,800 tons of cement a day, now it will produce approximately 7,000 tons of cement a day with total annual cement production expected to be more than 2.4 million tons.
A key role is Heidelberg Materials’ commitment to reducing 30% of its carbon emissions by 2025 and achieving net zero concrete by 2050 at the latest. The new plant will contribute through substantial improvements in energy efficiency, reduced fuel consumption, and production of lower-carbon EcoCemTM PLC.
The plant is expected to provide approximately 50 new full-time jobs, going from 120 to more than 170 full-time employees. Many local families have multiple generations who have worked and eventually retired from this plant.
“We have a long history in the area and are excited about solidifying our future here in Indiana,” said Tracy Crowther, plant manager. “The plant will be a more efficient production, with environmental sustainability to the community.”
“The company also partners with the City of Mitchell on many other projects which of course includes the Persimmon Festival and fireworks that are held each year. The company teams up with other businesses and community partners on other projects that may be beneficial including Mitchell Community Schools,” Crowther added. “We want to continue to strengthen our ties with the community. We have a long history and certainly want to continue that.”
