Holcim (US), a member of LafargeHolcim, unveiled this week the new, modernized plant at its Hagerstown, Md., 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, the Greater Western Maryland region, Baltimore and Washington D.C.
“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.”
