#United States #Ozinga #Low-Carbon Cement #East Chicago

Ozinga's Groundbreaking Low-Carbon Cement Facility

Ozinga has officially commenced construction on what will be North America's largest low-carbon cement manufacturing facility in East Chicago, Indiana. Equipped with one of the continent's most advanced vertical roller mills, this groundbreaking plant is expected to produce a staggering one million tons of low-carbon cementitious materials annually.

Strategic Location for Sustainable Manufacturing

The facility's design strategically integrates accessibility to rail, truck, and water routes through the Great Lakes and the U.S. inland waterways. This vital positioning will allow Ozinga to efficiently serve clients across the United States and Canada, underscoring its commitment to sustainable development, robust supply chains, and the future of American manufacturing.

CEO Marty Ozinga articulated the company's philosophy, stating, "True innovation isn't merely about progress; it's about purpose." He elaborated that this facility symbolizes a commitment to a sustainable future for American manufacturing, alongside a focus on fostering strong communities.

Economic Impact on Local Communities

The launch of the East Chicago facility is projected to generate approximately 150 jobs during the construction phase and maintain numerous long-term positions upon completion. Mayor Anthony Copeland emphasized the importance of such investments, noting the potential to bolster local economies and offer opportunities for families.

With a workforce of over 2,500 employees nationwide, Ozinga remains focused on sustainability, community enhancement, and innovation. The East Chicago facility is expected to play a pivotal role in accomplishing the company's ambitious goal of delivering net-zero concrete by the year 2030.

Addressing Environmental Challenges

Concrete serves as a foundational element for modern infrastructure, including homes, schools, hospitals, roads, and bridges. However, traditional Portland cement production contributes nearly 7% of global CO₂ emissions. In 2024, the U.S. was reliant on the import of nearly 30 million tons of cement, creating vulnerabilities within infrastructure projects tied to global supply chain disruptions and trade imbalances.

Ozinga's new facility directly confronts these environmental challenges. By producing domestically-sourced low-carbon cements, the plant aims to reduce dependency on imported materials and significantly decrease embodied carbon emissions associated with construction materials. This approach supports both ecological efforts and economic stability.

Advanced Technology at Work

At the heart of the facility lies the MVR5300-C6 vertical roller mill from Gebr. Pfeiffer—a groundbreaking machine that is the largest of its kind in North America. The mill features six independent rollers, which enhance energy efficiency while simultaneously minimizing carbon emissions. Timothy Burden, President of Gebr. Pfeiffer Americas, stated, "This facility isn't merely a plant; it's a technological milestone that raises the bar for sustainable cement production."

The plant will manufacture low-carbon slag cement compliant with ASTM C989, and proprietary cement blends under the CarbonSense™ brand, which meets ASTM C1157 performance standards. These materials could achieve up to an 80% reduction in embodied carbon emissions. Once fully operational, the facility is anticipated to offset over 700,000 metric tons of CO₂ emissions annually, contributing significantly to reducing the carbon footprint of U.S. construction projects.

Collaboration and Innovation

Ozinga is committed to advancing sustainable building materials through strategic partnerships with organizations such as Meta and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Such collaborations have led to innovations like AI-optimized low-carbon concrete used for Meta's data center in DeKalb, IL, achieving a remarkable 64% reduction in embodied carbon at Amazon Web Services' award-winning data center in New Carlisle, IN. The timely establishment of the East Chicago facility addresses the increasing demand for low-carbon concrete in the construction of essential infrastructure across North America.

About Ozinga

Ozinga is a fifth-generation, family-owned American company specializing in concrete, bulk materials, and construction solutions for various sectors, including residential, commercial, and industrial projects. With a focus on service, learning, and entrepreneurial spirit, Ozinga is committed to developing environmentally responsible products and practices that positively impact and shape the future built environment.