Ozinga Breaks Ground on North America’s Largest Low-Carbon Cement Mill

Ozinga has begun construction on a new low-carbon cement manufacturing facility in East Chicago, Indiana. Once operational, the plant will produce up to one million tons of low-carbon cementitious materials annually, supported by one of North America’s largest vertical roller mills.

Strategically located with access to rail, truck, and water transport via the Great Lakes and inland waterways, the facility is positioned to serve customers across the U.S. and Canada. The project reflects a broader effort to enhance supply chain resilience and reduce the carbon footprint of building materials used in infrastructure projects.

The East Chicago facility is expected to generate approximately 150 construction and full-time jobs, with operations anticipated to begin in 2026.

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

At the center of the plant is the MVR5300-C6 vertical roller mill from Gebr. Pfeiffer, the largest of its kind in North America. The six-roller mill offers high energy efficiency and is designed to reduce emissions during production.

Once complete, the facility will produce ASTM C989-compliant slag cement and other low-carbon cement blends that can help cut embodied carbon in concrete by up to 80%. The operation is projected to offset over 700,000 metric tons of CO₂ emissions each year.

Ozinga has worked with partners such as Meta and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign to develop AI-optimized, low-carbon concrete mixes already in use at major data center construction sites. The new plant will support continued innovation and respond to growing demand for sustainable materials in critical infrastructure projects.