Building material company Holcim US has made an investment of approximately $100m for the expansion of its cement plant in Sainte Genevieve, Missouri, US.

The plant is said to be the largest cement-producing plant in North America.

This expansion project is expected to boost the plant's production capacity by more than 600,000 tonnes (t) of cement, along with minimising net carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions, improving circularity, and accelerating decarbonisation across the built environment.

Holcim North America regional head Toufic Tabbara said: “With an emphasis on achieving the highest levels of environmental performance and operational efficiency, Ste Genevieve has been the leader in US cement manufacturing since it was built in 2009.

“This investment will ensure we maintain that leadership in supporting the sustainable growth of our nation’s infrastructure and residential construction while accelerating net carbon reduction across the built environment.”

The factory contains what it claims to be the world’s largest single-kiln line. It is fitted with advanced pollution controls, fully automated quality control laboratories, and barge and rail facilities.

The capital expenditure will be used to extend the plant’s present advanced production and logistical capabilities.

Adding a fifth vertical cement grinding mill is set to improve processing and expand cement production capacity while lowering net CO₂ emissions by more than 400,000tpa.

With the addition of fly ash or other mineral components to cement manufactured, a new mineral component addition method will minimise the clinker factor and promote circularity.

The new fast-track expansion project at the Sainte Genevieve Cement plant, which has received licences and regulatory clearances, is set to commence construction next year and be finished in late 2025.