Ozinga Low-Carbon Cement Plant to Produce 1M Tons

    June 11, 2025
    Vertical roller mill has six independent rollers.
    Ozinga
    A concept drawing of the new plant.
    A concept drawing of the new plant.

    Ozinga is building a low-carbon cement manufacturing facility in East Chicago, Indiana. The new plant will produce one million tons of low-carbon cementitious materials annually, according to the company.

    The plant has direct access to rail, truck, and water and will serve customers across the United States and Canada, according to the company, and reinforces is commitment to “sustainable infrastructure, supply chain resilience, and American manufacturing.”

    “Ozinga has always believed that true innovation isn’t just about progress, it’s about purpose,” said Marty Ozinga, CEO, in a statement. “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 East Chicago facility and its related operations are projected to create approximately 150 construction and long-term full-time jobs, fueling regional economic growth. Operations are expected to begin in 2026.

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

    The East Chicago facility marks a major milestone in the company’s mission to deliver net zero concrete by 2030. Portland cement, concrete’s core ingredient, accounts for nearly 7% of global CO2 emissions, according to the company. Plus, last year, the United States imported nearly 30 million tons of cement, leaving infrastructure projects vulnerable to supply chain instability and trade volatility.

    The East Chicago facility directly addresses this challenge. By producing domestic low-carbon cements, it will reduce dependence on imports and dramatically lower embodied carbon in construction materials, supporting both environmental goals and economic resilience.

    Largest roller mill in North America

    At the heart of the facility is the MVR5300-C6 vertical roller mill from Gebr. Pfeiffer, the largest of its kind in North America, according to the company. With six independent rollers and high throughput capacity, the mill maximizes energy efficiency while minimizing carbon emissions, according to the manufacturer.

    “This isn’t just a plant—it’s a technological milestone,” said Timothy Burden, president of Gebr. Pfeiffer Americas. “The MVR5300-C6 sets a new benchmark for sustainable cement production.”

    The facility will produce ASTM C989-compliant low-carbon slag cement, as well as proprietary blends under Ozinga’s CarbonSense brand, meeting ASTM C1157 performance standards and delivering up to 80% reductions in embodied carbon. Once fully operational, the plant is projected to offset more than 700,000 metric tons of CO2 emissions annually.