US-based Lehigh Hanson Inc has announced a US$600m plan to modernise and expand its plant in Mitchell, Indiana. The project to increase production capacity while significantly reducing energy usage and emissions, is the largest expansion and modernisation that the company has undertaken in North America. 

"The modernisation of the Mitchell plant will enable us to produce cement more efficiently and sustainably through the use of state-of-the-art technology and the latest in environmental controls and systems," said Jon Morrish, president and CEO of Lehigh Hanson.

"The capabilities of the new plant will enable us to better serve our existing customer base in the Midwest while also expanding our reach in this growing market," he said.

The plans are expected to create 50 full-time jobs at the plant, with over 1000 construction positions available over the project span.

The company is currently working on gaining the required permits and expects this to be completed in the summer of 2019. Construction is scheduled to begin in 2020 and project completion is expected by the end of 2022.