Lafarge, a member of LafargeHolcim, on Sept. 21unveiled the new, state-of-the-art plant at its Ravena, N.Y., facility after a three-year, multimillion 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 about 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.
“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 U.S. Cement, LafargeHolcim. “We’re proud that the plant has supplied more than one 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% less fuel, produce 40% 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.”
