Lafarge to close kiln line at Joppa Cement, USA

Lafarge has shut down Kiln Line No 2 at its Joppa cement plant, Illinois, USA, citing the continued challenging economic environment as the reason for shutting down one of its two kilns.

The company will continue to operate the plant and its associated Cave-In-Rock Quarry and manufacture specialty well cement on its Kiln 1.

Lafarge has  "The shutdown was due to the state of the economy and the weak demand for cement, " said Louis Derose-Environmental and Public Relations Manager-Lafarge Cement Plant in Joppa. "Cement sales since 2006 have fallen 44 per cent." The move leaves 36 workers without a job.

The Joppa plant comprises two long dry kilns, Kiln 1 and Kiln 2, with a total plant output of 1.25Mta. It will now begin to mothball kiln 2 and continue to provide cement to its Type I/II customers.

John Stull, the Lafarge CEO for US aggregate, concrete and cement operations released this statement on the shutdown: "The Joppa and Cave-In-Rock employees have demonstrated tremendous professionalism and commitment over the years and many have worked at the plant for decades. We recognize the impact this decision will have on their lives and their families and we will help them during this difficult transition. Lafarge looks forward to many years of continued operation in Southern Illinois, both with Kiln 1 and its specialty products, and when the new kiln comes on line."

(Source: KFVS)