Lafarge’s Ravena Plant Completes Three-Year Modernization Project.
By Josephine Smith
Lafarge, a member of LafargeHolcim, unveiled a new, state-of-the-art plant at its Ravena, N.Y., facility after a three-year, multi-million-dollar modernization project to sustainably supply the region’s growing manufacturing and construction industries. The cement from the Ravena facility supplies more than 1 million tons of locally produced product for high profile projects in the Northeast including One World Trade Center, the World Trade Center Memorial and Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J.
Throughout the project, the modernization of the Ravena facility maintained approximately 135 plant operation jobs, produced up to 800 construction jobs and generated more than $170 million to the local economy. A ceremonial ribbon cutting was held on Sept. 21, 2017, which included a speaking program and plant tours.
“By modernizing the plant, we have transformed it into an efficient, competitive and state-of-the-art facility that will allow us to meet the growing needs of our customers and remain a strong partner to the community for the foreseeable future,” said John Stull, CEO of U.S. cement operations for LafargeHolcim. “We’re proud that the plant has supplied more than 1 million tons of cement for high profile projects, including the Tappan Zee bridge reconstruction and One World Trade Center Memorial. We are all committed to producing quality products for our customers, whether for an iconic project or for local infrastructure needs.”
The modernization investment focused on construction of a new kiln line that would meet and exceed emission limits, improve operational performance and increase capacity to 2 million tons of clinker production annually to meet market growth. As a result, the new dry kiln technology at the heart of the modernized facility will use approximately 42 percent less fuel, produce 40 percent less solid waste and consume less water, making the new facility even more efficient.
“State-of-the-art technology, with an emphasis on achieving the highest levels of environmentally friendly production and operational efficiency, is the hallmark of this modernization initiative,” said Dave Fletcher, Ravena plant manager. “For making this opportunity possible, I would like to thank all our partners and employees for their tremendous contributions in making this major project a huge success.”
Stull said the modernization project ensures the company will remain competitive for years to come.
“We have done something really great here – we have a facility that can meet the needs of the Northeast and the needs of this community for many years,” Stull said. “We took an old plant and put in a new heart. We want to be a strong partner with the community.”
U.S. Rep. Paul Tonko attended the ribbon cutting, and said the company has met a good balance – remaining financially viable, yet also a good steward of the environment.
“I salute your efforts to reduce the demand for fuel resources, to cut deeply into pollution that is emitted from this facility,” Tonko told company executives. “We all need to play a role in the environment so we can provide a better opportunity for future generations.
“This is one of the most efficient, if not the most efficient, cement plant in the world,” Tonko said. “LafargeHolcim is showing the technology is available, and we can reduce carbon footprint. We can be a sound steward of the environment, and it is being done right here.”
