Ozinga has commenced construction on a new low-carbon cement manufacturing facility in Indiana, US, reinforcing its commitment to sustainable infrastructure.

Forecast to begin operations in 2026, the plant will produce one million tons of low-carbon cementitious materials annually, utilising a vertical roller mill.

The strategic location of the East Chicago facility, with direct access to rail, truck, and waterways, positions it to efficiently serve customers in the US and Canada.

Ozinga CEO Marty Ozinga said: "Ozinga has always believed that true innovation isn't just about progress, it's about purpose.

"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 plant and its related operations are expected to generate around 150 construction and long-term full-time jobs, contributing to the growth of the regional economy.

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

The new plant is a part of Ozinga's goal to deliver net-zero concrete by 2030.

Traditional Portland cement, a primary component of concrete, contributes nearly 7% of global carbon dioxide emissions.

The US' reliance on imported cement, which approached 30 million tons in 2024, exposes domestic infrastructure projects to supply chain disruptions and trade volatility.

The East Chicago facility will mitigate these risks by producing domestic low-carbon cements, thus lessening imports and the embodied carbon in construction materials.

The facility's MVR5300-C6 vertical roller mill, from Gebr. Pfeiffer, is reportedly the largest in North America. It is designed for high energy efficiency and minimal emissions.

Ozinga collaborates with Meta, the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, and other entities for sustainable building materials.

These partnerships have led to innovations such as AI-driven low-carbon concrete, reducing embodied carbon in projects, including Meta's DeKalb data centre and the Amazon Web Services facility in New Carlisle.

The East Chicago facility arrives at a time when the need for green concrete is surging, particularly for the construction of data centres and other critical infrastructure projects in North America.