About Us
History
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The Lafarge Alpena cement plant has been a vital part of the Alpena, Michigan community since 1907. Generations of workers, some from the same families, have produced the highest quality cement in the world in the heart of the Great Lakes.
At Lafarge Alpena, we proudly produce quality cement that is integral to the Michigan economy and infrastructure. Our cement is also shipped via the Great Lakes to other states. We are deeply committed to doing so in a manner that meets all
applicable state and federal environmental regulations.
Our plant is one of North America’s largest cement-producing facilities with the ability to produce up to 2.7 million tons of cement annually. We’ve gone through many changes over the years, starting with six small kilns in the early years to 5 large kilns currently.
Our Community
Our cement operations are supported by the talents and passions of Alpena-area residents who are committed to being a good neighbor and serving as an active, positive force in the communities.
Our values are built on a continuous focus on health and safety in everything we do. The health and safety of our employees, contractors and the communities in which we live and work is paramount.
We rely on the insights and perspective of our Community Advisory Panel, our employees and other community stakeholders to help guide us in our decision-making efforts. Working together, we will continue to support local initiatives and contribute in ways that make a difference.
Over the years, we have proudly contributed to our community by assisting groups and organizations with monetary support, food donations and holiday gift-giving for children in need. Lafarge Alpena is also the Title Sponsor of the Alpena 4th of July parade, donating $12,000 as a match to keep the celebration possible.
Generations of Alpena Residents on our Team
Preserving the needs of future generations by conserving non-renewable resources is important to us because what we do today impacts quality of life for those around us. Over the span of four generations, the residents and families in and around Alpena have shared our vision and contributed to our success.
Along with a fierce dedication to continued innovation, Lafarge Alpena employees, project managers, engineers and scientists are passionately committed to being good stewards of Michigan’s natural resources and working toward cleaner and greener operations. Over the last fifteen years, the Alpena plant has invested over $100,000,000 in eco-friendly technologies.
In addition to those environmental investments, Lafarge Alpena continually strives for sustainability here in Michigan and to raise awareness of the important role that architecture, engineering, urban planning and the building industry have in achieving a more sustainable future. Learn more about our company’s corporate responsibility and sustainability efforts by clicking here.
Economic Impact
Cement is the main ingredient in concrete, which has been used to develop critical infrastructure including the construction of cities around the world. Using innovative solutions we assist in the construction of quality housing while helping create more compact, more durable, more beautiful, and better connected living spaces.
You will find Lafarge Alpena cement used in Michigan construction projects including the Gordie Howe Bridge, Comerica Park, Ford Field and Little Caesars Arena, not to mention supporting local and regional economic growth. Additionally, Lafarge Alpena serves customers throughout the Midwest and Ontario via the Great Lakes vessels and a series of cement terminals. Our cement also goes into Michigan roads, schools, hospitals, dams and ports, as well as for decorative applications (for patios, floors, staircases, driveways, pool decks).
Lafarge Alpena’s local payroll is $20 million annually and the plant pays local taxes equating to $1.2 million annually. Each year, Lafarge Alpena’s local donations total more than $40,000, and its support of local restaurants for plant meals, etc. is about $22,000. Additional economic impact includes another $25 million in annual purchases for products and services from other local and regional companies and contractors.
A vast majority of the more than 200 men and women who work at our plant live in Alpena or our surrounding communities. An additional 100 full-time jobs are supported through the use of contractors at the Alpena plant.
Our plant’s growth and efficiency is due not just to the use of state-of-the-art electronics, computers, X-ray analyzers but can be directly attributed to our highly skilled, educated and dedicated employees.