EAST CHICAGO, Ind. — In a significant step toward decarbonizing American construction, Ozinga has launched construction of a new low-carbon cement manufacturing plant in East Chicago, Indiana. The facility is designed to reduce carbon emissions while helping to strengthen domestic cement production and reduce the country’s reliance on imports.

Set to open in 2026, the plant will be capable of producing one million tons of low-carbon cementitious materials each year, powered by a vertical roller mill — the MVR5300-C6 from Gebr. Pfeiffer — which is the largest of its kind in North America. The mill's design emphasizes energy efficiency and minimal emissions, aligning with Ozinga’s sustainability targets.

With the plant’s proximity to rail, trucking routes, and waterway access, the East Chicago site is strategically positioned to serve customers across both the U.S. and Canada, improving supply reliability for major infrastructure projects.

“Ozinga has always believed that true innovation isn’t just about progress, it’s about purpose,” said Ozinga CEO Marty Ozinga.

“This facility is more than a plant. It’s a commitment to the future of American manufacturing, to sustainable building, and to strengthening American communities for generations to come.”

The project will generate around 150 jobs — a mix of construction-related positions and long-term full-time roles — and is expected to contribute to the economic vitality of the region.

“This is the kind of investment that strengthens communities and provides real opportunity for local families,” said East Chicago Mayor Anthony Copeland.

The Indiana facility is central to Ozinga’s broader strategy to deliver net-zero concrete by 2030, as part of a wave of innovation targeting the construction industry’s carbon footprint. Portland cement — the traditional key ingredient in concrete — accounts for nearly 7% of global CO₂ emissions. By replacing it with low-carbon alternatives, Ozinga is helping shift the U.S. building materials sector toward more sustainable practices.

In 2024, the U.S. imported close to 30 million tons of cement, leaving major projects vulnerable to supply chain disruptions and international trade uncertainties. This facility is expected to reduce import dependency, enhance material security, and cut embodied carbon in construction.

The new plant also builds on Ozinga’s collaborations with Meta, the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, and other organizations to accelerate the development of AI-powered low-carbon concrete. These initiatives have already led to reduced carbon footprints at prominent projects like Meta’s DeKalb data center and Amazon Web Services’ New Carlisle facility.

As demand for low-carbon concrete continues to climb—particularly for data centers, energy infrastructure, and public projects—Ozinga’s investment reflects a broader trend toward environmentally responsible construction.

The East Chicago plant marks a pivotal moment in the effort to modernize U.S. cement manufacturing and meet the sustainability demands of tomorrow’s infrastructure.

Originally reported by World Construction Network.